Beirut: In a united effort to combat disinformation and hate speech in Lebanon, the Ministry of Information, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) officially launched today the national media and information literacy campaign titled 'No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again.' This initiative marks the second component of the broader Strategic Tripartite Partnership announced earlier this year, which aims to promote media literacy and bolster public resilience to misinformation.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the campaign will be deployed nationwide through television and digital platforms, featuring a central awareness video as well as a series of dynamic capsule videos. These short clips highlight the personal reflections of prominent Lebanese figures on their experiences with media and information literacy. Among those featured are Amir Saoud, captain of the Lebanese National Basketball Team and Al Riyadi Club; Yassmina Zeytoun, Miss Lebanon 2022; Rayan Hayek, a young journalist; and Raneem Bou Khzam, news anchor and TV host at LBCI. Their testimonies, along with on-the-street interviews capturing the voice of ordinary citizens, illustrate the real-world consequences of misinformation and emphasize the need for critical thinking in today's digital age.
The campaign is also backed by a robust capacity-building component aimed at empowering the media sector. Journalists and correspondents from the National News Agency will receive specialized training in fact-checking and video reporting, supported by new technical equipment. This effort is designed to help media professionals meet the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and public accountability.
'No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again' is not just a campaign; it is a call to action for every Lebanese citizen to pause, question, and think critically before accepting and sharing information,' said H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information in Lebanon.
'This initiative represents a concrete step toward safeguarding truth in a time of digital overflow. By investing in education, media capacity, and public awareness, we are contributing to a more informed and resilient Lebanese society,' said Paolo Fontani, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut and Representative to Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.
'Fighting disinformation is a global challenge with local solutions. Through this partnership, we are enabling local actors to lead the charge in building trust, verifying facts, and elevating responsible journalism,' said L©von Amirjanyan, OIF Representative for the Middle East.
By joining forces, UNESCO, OIF, and the Ministry of Information aim to create a safer, more conscious media landscape in Lebanon-one that empowers individuals to challenge what they see, hear, and share.