Beirut: The United Nations and the Maharat Foundation have initiated the second phase of the #InformationIntegrity campaign, designed to support Lebanon's reform process. This new phase emphasizes the critical role of information integrity in promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement through responsible journalism and informed public discourse.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the campaign is anchored in the UN Global Principles on Information Integrity and aims to reinforce the media's credibility as a partner in reform, enhance public accountability, and build resilience against disinformation. It features a teaser video and 15 informative videos with Lebanese journalists discussing key issues related to reforms, good governance, and information integrity.
Each video addresses different aspects of how information integrity supports the reform process. Topics include the media's role in combating disinformation, the impact of false narratives on public trust, the importance of access to information, evidence-based discourse, responsible social media use, and media literacy's empowerment of citizens in reform participation.
Imran Riza, UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, stated that the integrity of information is essential for rebuilding public trust and advancing reforms. Disinformation weakens institutions and erodes civic confidence, and this campaign aims to promote an informed and engaged citizenry as the foundation for Lebanon's reform journey.
Roula Mikhael, Founder and Executive Director of Maharat Foundation, highlighted that reform requires access to accurate information and transparency. The campaign empowers journalists and citizens to protect information integrity and hold institutions accountable, fostering informed public debate as the key to meaningful reform.
The campaign underscores that a society based on truth and transparency is vital to Lebanon's reform path and rebuilding public trust in its institutions.