Tyre:UNESCO and UNIFIL have concluded the "Youth Empowerment in South Lebanon" project by inaugurating a Youth Media Centre and Digital Citizen Hub. This initiative aims to provide young people with spaces and tools to enhance their digital skills and actively participate in the information landscape.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the closing event took place at the Imam Sadr Foundation in Tyre. It gathered young participants, local partners, municipalities, and representatives from UNESCO and UNIFIL to celebrate the achievements of the two-year project. The initiative focused on Media and Information Literacy, fact-checking, combating misinformation and hate speech, cybersecurity, and responsible digital citizenship.
Major General Diodato Abagnara, Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, praised the participants, highlighting the significance of their achievements for the future of southern Lebanon. George Awad, Communication and Information Programme Officer for UNESCO, emphasized that the project's completion marks a new beginning for the young participants, equipping them with knowledge and skills to engage responsibly with digital content.
Nijad Sharffedine, Director General of the Imam Sadr Foundation, underscored the importance of dialogue and critical thinking in building a just society. The project engaged over 900 young individuals across more than 115 towns and villages in South Lebanon, enhancing their ability to assess information and engage online responsibly.
Participants were encouraged to become trainers and share their newfound skills within their communities. This approach proved particularly valuable during crisis periods when misinformation can rapidly spread, impacting community responses to events.
