The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has introduced a new training programme titled “Peace Journalist”, aimed at empowering journalists to promote moderation, counter hate speech, and foster tolerance in the face of rising extremist rhetoric.
The initiative was officially launched in Malé on Sunday, in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The four-day programme will run from 6 to 9 October and brings together journalists and media professionals to build their capacity in covering sensitive security-related issues responsibly.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Defence Fathmath Mizna Ali highlighted the importance of the programme, noting that misinformation and hate speech pose growing threats to social harmony in the digital era.
“In today’s digital age, information circulates faster than we can imagine. Unfortunately, disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech are spreading just as rapidly. Certain groups use digital platforms to distort the truth. So, while journalists are our leading defenders, we can eliminate hate speech with the right tools,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Peace Journalist initiative is designed to underscore the media’s pivotal role in promoting peace and social cohesion. Participants will be trained to use modern media tools and techniques to create content that encourages dialogue and discourages violence, thereby contributing to national and regional security.
Organisers stressed that empowering journalists with the right skills is crucial for countering extremist narratives that often undermine social stability. The programme also seeks to inspire a new generation of reporters to advocate for peace and unity through their work.
