Introductory speech at the 18th annual ARIJ forum
Twenty years ago, ARIJ and GFMD took important steps that ensured investigative journalism would have a place in the MENA region.
(Written version)
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are here to celebrate two remarkable institutions: ARIJ and Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD).
Twenty years ago, a courageous group of visionary people in MENA and globally made an important choice – not simply to pursue their own personal interests, but to serve the common good.
They wanted to ensure that investigative journalism would have its place in the Arab World, and that the media development community would have a global voice and platform.
Their dedication gave rise to organisations rooted in the belief that the highest calling of journalism is to serve in the interest of the public and champion accountability.
That’s why ARIJ and GFMD have been so critical.
They are not merely projects with a beginning and an end, but powerful ideas brought to life by exceptionally dedicated people in an organised manner.
They reflect a demand from a community of journalists in this region and from media organisations around the world – from East, West, North and South.
They have shown us the importance of being organised, of building institutions; and
of fostering long-term connections between journalists and media in a fragmented world.
They demonstrate that only by building powerful and enabling institutions is it possible to have lasting impact.
ARIJ is an institution that is owned by the region, scaled in the region and has become a huge inspiration to the rest of the world. Through steady growth and a long-term commitment, both ARIJ and GFMD have influenced our journalism and media development community in the Arab world and globally.
So again – why are we celebrating ARIJ and GFMD?
Because they remind us all of something hugely important:
In the challenging times we are living in, it matters how we decide to come together. It matters how we spend our time, and it matters how we, with increasingly limited resources, focus on what is most important, and what is most likely to yield results.
In my view, working collaboratively and cooperatively, mobilising and representing a community in the way that ARIJ and GFMD have done, is the best way to ensure viable ownership of our shared future.
Thank you, ARIJ and GFMD and all of the fabulous people behind you for being that powerful force for change and inspiration.
Stay around for another 20 years. The world needs you.
