Beyond Headlines: Global Journalists United for Peace Journalism

MELBOURNE, Australia - Feb. 28, 2024 - PRLog -- HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) hosted an online event with approximately 160 media persons from 49 countries in attendance. This year marked the publication of HWPL's 2nd journal, 'Peace Journalism Studies', produced in collaboration with 9 journalists worldwide. Themed "Media Perspective on Conflict Resolution," the event aimed to share ideas of peace journalism, amplify the collective voice of the international media network for peace, and suggest future action plans to inspire global peace advocacy.

Among the contributors, six speakers delivered addresses on the role of media in building peace, peace-related issues, peace journalism, and global security. Innocent Yuh, Regional Coordinator of Cameroon Association of Media Professionals (CAMP), highlighted the imperative need for discussion on peace journalism. Yuh described peace journalism as a beacon of clarity, an instrument of empathy, and a catalyst for meaningful change in navigating the delicate tapestry of conflict and discord. Hendry Nursal, Editor-in-Chief of Jambidaily.com, emphasized the importance of ethical standards, stating that journalists must remain a source of correct information presented professionally according to rules such as the code of ethics.

Ihor Shevyrov, a Journalist and Lawyer from Ukraine, underscored the critical role of peace journalism in establishing communication between conflicting parties amidst global security threats. He emphasized that civil society and institutions also play influential roles alongside states in strengthening global security. Lok Bahadur Chaudhary, Founder Publisher and Editor of Hamarpahura.com, advocated for a practical approach to peacebuilding, suggesting that journalists inspire individuals to actively engage in the pursuit of peace. He proposed that regular reporting of global peace events should be a monthly endeavor in each country to hasten the realization of a peaceful world.

Regarding the positive role of social media in peacebuilding, Oral Ofori, Founder of TheAfricanDream Company, highlighted its ability to enable direct engagement among people from different cultures and backgrounds. Ofori emphasized that when used positively, social media platforms can foster a global community working collectively towards peace and mutual understanding. Rana Setiawan, Chief Reporter of Mira Islamic News Agency (MINA), stated that by 2022, 60% of the public believes that the news they receive contains bias or even disinformation. Setiawan reiterated that peace journalism aims to minimize conflict, promote dialogue, and help build peace in society, with HWPL being the only international non-governmental organization calling on all media to promote peace.

Beyond journalism, HWPL (https://hwpl.kr) is globally engaged in initiatives including peace education, interfaith dialogue, youth and women's activities, and the establishment of international law for peace. As HWPL continues to champion peace journalism, the event resonates as a call for a media effort, urging all media outlets to embrace their role in fostering a world united in pursuit of lasting peace.