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.

In this first part of the Spotlight, discover what happened in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Libya. Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen will follow soon.

Algeria
Two days of creativity, collaboration and storytelling

Hosted at IN Network Incubator, Newsroom CONNECT brought together 25 participants to explore the power of Peace & Constructive Journalism. In the Editorial Challenge, participants turned their story ideas into creative media concepts. The Open Heart Session sparked honest conversations about fears, challenges and experiences.

Participants also explored positive storytelling and TV news production before putting their skills into practice in a Newsroom Hackathon. The event closed with a showcase of their productions, celebrating two days of learning, meaningful exchanges and impactful storytelling.

Egypt
Fresh perspectives, new skills and stories in the making

At Startup Haus Zamalek, around 35 participants joined Newsroom CONNECT, with the support of the German Embassy in Cairo and Story Time. Over two days, young journalists explored Peace & Constructive Journalism and learned about the funding and professional opportunities offered by German institutions.

Hands-on work led by Media Connectors helped participants develop their own journalistic productions. The Open Heart Session opened up conversations on journalists’ burnout and well-being. The event ended with a screening of *Soul*, celebrating two days of creativity, learning and connection.

Jordan
Creativity, teamwork and inspiring stories

At Drabzeen Human Development, 32 participants took part in two days of learning and collaboration. Media Connector Sarah Maabreh opened with a session on Constructive Journalism and storytelling. EU Arabic-language spokesperson Daniel Coleman then introduced participants to EU projects and opportunities.

An Open Heart Session encouraged honest conversations, followed by a creative Arabic calligraphy workshop on peace. Participants also explored fact-checking with ARIJ – Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism, while working on their own productions and supporting one another. The experience ended with a DJ session celebrating their achievements and the spirit of community.

Lebanon
Bringing Constructive Journalism to life

Around 30 participants came together with contributions from Dawaer Foundation, The What If, Maharat Foundation and Samir Kassir Foundation. They explored Constructive Journalism, developed story angles and pitched their ideas. Discussions on Positive Peace, disinformation and the media’s role in peacebuilding added fresh perspectives. The Open-Hearted Circle offered space for honest conversations and personal connections.

On the second day, ideas turned into action through production sprints and editorial feedback from experienced journalists. Participants challenged each other’s ideas, refined their stories and supported one another as one newsroom. Constructive Journalism is not just something to learn, but something to practise together.

Libya
Journalism, creativity and human connections taking centre stage

Organised by Country Coordinator Ahmed Bin Tammoum, Newsroom CONNECT in Libya brought together around 30 participants, with contributions from Akedli Platform and the EU-funded Sawab and Nahami projects. Participants explored Peace & Constructive Journalism and discussed journalism’s role in peacebuilding with veteran journalist Hussein Eddeb. They also tackled disinformation through the interactive Sawab Disinformation Hunt.

The second day featured the Youth Opportunity Compass, highlighting young Libyan voices, and the Inner Peace Open Heart Session, a space for honest conversations about stress, burnout and resilience. A screening of *Tashlidi* and an exchange with filmmaker Abrar Balqasim explored cultural memory and women’s heritage.