During Media Week 2026, Newsroom CONNECT brought young journalists together in newsrooms across the region. Over two days, participants explored Peace & Constructive Journalism, developed their own productions and took part in honest conversations about the realities of the profession.

After Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Libya, this second part of the Spotlight takes you to Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. (Missed the first part? Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Libya: https://www.eumedbridge.eu/news/newsroom-connect-spotlight-stories-skills-and-connections-across-the-region/)

Morocco

New perspectives, powerful stories and meaningful connections

Around 20 young journalists gathered at Fondation Orient-Occident for two days of creativity, practical learning and meaningful exchanges. The programme explored Peace and Constructive Journalism, solutions-focused reporting, digital fact-checking and AI verification. Guided by experienced journalists and trainers, participants developed fresh story angles and strengthened their storytelling and video production skills.

The Open Heart session offered a space for honest conversations about stress, mental health and the emotional challenges of journalism, encouraging participants to share experiences and support one another. Newsroom CONNECT Morocco showed how empathy, collaboration and a human-centred approach can help shape more constructive journalism.

Palestine

One newsroom, bridging distances through journalism

Across the West Bank and Gaza, around 38 participants came together as one newsroom, overcoming distance through collaboration. In a hybrid format, with participants in Gaza joining online, young journalists explored Constructive Journalism, developed stories and exchanged ideas with the support of experienced mentors.

Practical sessions on digital safety and fact-checking strengthened their professional skills, while peer exchanges encouraged learning and mutual support. The Open Heart session created space for personal conversations, and a dabkeh activity brought a moment of cultural expression and shared identity. Despite the distance, participants in Gaza and the West Bank shared experiences, refined their ideas and built a sense of belonging.

Qatar

Bridging professional expertise and young journalistic voices

From the training rooms of Al Jazeera Media Institute to the creative spaces of HostX, Newsroom CONNECT Qatar brought aspiring journalists together for two days of learning, collaboration and storytelling. The first day gathered over 20 participants for specialised workshops on Peace Journalism, Reporting During War, Fact-Checking and OSINT, led by experienced media professionals.

On the second day, participants explored the human cost of war reporting before putting Constructive Journalism into practice through hands-on workshops, a production lab and story pitches. Representatives from the EU Delegation joined both days, sharing insights into EU-supported initiatives and opportunities. The event also fostered new professional connections and opened doors for future collaboration.

Syria

Building stories through trust and solidarity

Newsroom CONNECT Syria brought young journalists together for two days of editorial collaboration, exchanges and shared experiences. The first day opened with a regional gathering, followed by discussions to develop and refine story ideas, information sessions and a sports activity that encouraged connection beyond the newsroom.

On the second day, participants continued their editorial work and discussed the realities and challenges of journalism. One of the most moving moments was an honest exchange between a female field reporter living with cancer and a Media Connector who shared a similar experience, opening a wider conversation about resilience, professional pressures and mutual support. The event fostered an atmosphere of trust and solidarity, a reminder of the importance of human connection in journalism.

Tunisia

Empathy and editorial responsibility at the heart of the newsroom

From personal stories to the realities of conflict reporting, Newsroom CONNECT Tunisia brought 25 participants together for two days of learning, creativity and meaningful exchanges. The first day focused on Constructive Journalism and collaborative story development. The Open Heart Human Library session invited participants to share personal experiences, listen to one another and explore the power of empathy in storytelling.

On the second day, discussions turned to reporting in sensitive contexts, with practical insights into journalist safety, source protection and first-hand experiences of conflict reporting. Participants also worked on their stories and presented their productions in a final showcase. The event highlighted how empathy and editorial responsibility can go hand in hand to shape more thoughtful and constructive journalism.

Yemen

Turning local stories into collective action

Marking the first-ever Media Connect event in Yemen, Newsroom CONNECT arrived in Taiz, bringing together young journalists, civil society representatives, and university and development actors to explore Constructive Journalism. Over two days, participants built a collaborative newsroom and developed nine story ideas rooted in local realities.

With editorial guidance, practical production sessions and access to potential interview sources, they refined their angles and began turning ideas into short-form content. Collaboration was at the heart of the experience, with participants sharing skills, equipment and perspectives. More than a training opportunity, Newsroom CONNECT Yemen created a space for young journalists to connect, strengthen local storytelling and lay the groundwork for continued reporting.