Defending freedom of expression around the world has never been more pressing. In a world of disrupted facts, distorted truths and fake news, free, credible and investigative journalism holds private and public spheres to account, and helps support a safer, more prosperous and progressive world. At a time of multiple crises, the flow of reliable and transparent information is even more important. Alongside UNDP, the UK has for many years been a partner to Lebanon in preserving the space for free media across the country; it is a universal value which we all must protect.
This special issue, funded by the UK, focuses on the importance of nurturing safe and positive media spaces for public debate and hate-free discourse as part of UNDP’s peace building mission. The “Peace Building News Supplement” will reflect on Mount Lebanon’s past and current peace building challenges.
Across Lebanon, the UK is engaged in countering the surge in the production and dissemination of disinformation, propaganda and other misleading content. With UNDP, the UK has supported the training of 40 youth actors from 10 villages across Lebanese governorates on combatting fake news and engaging with their local communities to consolidate social cohesion and stability. In Mount Lebanon we have partnered with municipalities to deliver several projects, including through the construction of a multipurpose center to promote tourism, local produce, and artisanal products in Kahale, and the rehabilitation of Arc En Ciel Center in Damour that was damaged in the fires Lebanon faced in 2019.
Lebanon’s youth has a crucial role in this; as the leaders of tomorrow, government and civil society should support young people to become informed and engaged adult citizens. UK support to civil society organisations – with youth at its heart – has played, and will continue to play, a leading role in driving and constructively contributing to a new form of Lebanese politics, one that puts accountability of the state towards its people at its heart.
Democracies thrive through free media and freedom of speech. We cannot be complacent about defending and protecting those liberties that are often taken for granted. That is why the UK will continue to support the work to preserve the space for free media in Lebanon. Throughout the crises that Lebanon currently faces, the UK continues to be a steadfast friend of the Lebanese people.