Science Journalists in MENA – Reflections on a Remarkable Year: A Grateful Farewell to 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared together. This year has been a testament to our collective dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our goals related to scientific issues in the region. 

Throughout the past 12 months, we’ve achieved significant milestones, faced challenges head-on, and celebrated triumphs that have defined our path. The collaborative spirit that defines our community has been the driving force behind our success. We sincerely thank our valued members, partners, and contributors. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in propelling us toward new heights.

This year was filled with many activities:

  • 9 meet-ups hosted by accomplished Science Journalists in MENA and globally.
  • A comprehensive training program, “The Media Road to COP28,” consisting of 11 sessions moderated and led by established environmental journalists and media experts in MENA.
  • Participation in three regional and international Science Journalism Conferences.
  • The organization of our first onsite conference at COP28.

Did you miss our insightful discussions with experts in the field? No worries! You can catch up on these fascinating conversations, which took place in 2023 by clicking on the links below:

  • Ehsan Masood (Editor for Editorials & bureau chief for Africa and the Middle East | Nature ) : https://bit.ly/3GQt0oM
  • Mohamed Elsonbaty Ramadan (Science Journalist and trainer
    Co-founder of AFSMC): https://bit.ly/3Xx7prC
  • Dr.Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Professor and the Dean of the College of Communication at the University of Sharjah, U.A.E, one of the authors of the book ‘Science Journalism in the Arab World. The Quest for ‘Ilm’ and Truth (Palgrave, 2023): https://bit.ly/48o0iaz
  • How do we write about climate change? by Amira Said (Environmental journalist at “Egyptian Gazette”): https://bit.ly/3Zc1ppM
  • How to create a media website focused on the environment? by Chaabene Hadia (Founder & Editor-in-chief of “Green Future”) and Ahmed Elattar (Founder & Editor-in-chief of “Ozone”): https://bit.ly/48tVOPU
  • How to Become an Environmental Journalist? by Yves Sciama (Freelancer Science Journalist, Science et Vie, Le Monde, Science): https://bit.ly/47hhr4Y
  • What is the proper way to cover press conferences held by the World Health Organization? by M.Mustafa Haggag (Editor-in-Chief of Akher Al-Anbaa, Health journalist): https://bit.ly/3tsRMbu
  • How to pitch to a science editor? by Andrew J Wight (Freelance Science journalist, Vice- President of the Association of Colombian Science Journalists and Communicators): https://bit.ly/3NBfVU2
  • Scientific Analysis of the Morocco Earthquake and Its Consequences by Professor Taoufik Mourabit ((Seismic expert, researcher at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, and the founding director of the earthquake risk research group in North Africa) and Mr.Lahceen Mouatik (Science Journalist): https://bit.ly/47hhxcQ

We have concluded the 28th edition of the Climate Conference, COP28. If you didn’t participate in the comprehensive training program we organized this year, you can now watch all the sessions facilitated by esteemed experts in the field of environmental journalism in the Arab world.

Thanks to our partners who have played a prominent role in the development of environmental and scientific journalism in the Arab world, such as Ozone, Cosmos, Green Fund, Green in Arabic, أفاق بيئية, and the Yemeni Network for Science and Environment.

For the first time in the history of the climate conference “COP”, journalists met with environmental and sustainability experts to discuss media discourse on environmental challenges. The session that I moderated included the following participants:

  • Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi (The Green Sheikh, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman)
  • Dr. Fadhel Kaboub: President of the International Institute for Sustainable Prosperity
  • Mrs. Dalia Abdel Salam: Editor-in-Chief of ‘Nature Middle East’ magazine
  • Mr. Mohamed Al-Sonbati Ramadan: Correspondent for ‘ScieDev’
  • Mr. Khaled Suleiman: Environmental journalist and trainer

The need for collaboration between the two parties and education on sustainability was highlighted. The session can be watched again at this Link: https://youtu.be/TlyfzPV78J0

Dr. Nouha Belaid (Founder & President of Science Journalists in MENA) had the opportunity to participate as a speaker in two significant science journalism events globally: the World Conference of Science Journalism in Colombia (March 2023) and the fourth edition of the Arab Science Journalism Forum held by the American University in Cairo (December 2023). She also organized and moderated a panel during the third edition of the Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication at Sharjah University (May 2023). The panel focused on ‘Health Communication Strategies and Public Awareness’ and featured participation from medical experts and advocacy specialists.

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During 2023, we’ve navigated numerous challenges, contested against enormous difficulties, and fought across all frontiers. Nevertheless, we have been propelled to new heights. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our partners for their trust and support. Their insightful contributions have been invaluable assets to our growth in 2023. The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and we are confident that together, we will continue to excel and advance the development of Science Journalism in MENA.

If you’re interested in joining our executive team, please don’t hesitate to register here and show your interest in a specific task: https://forms.gle/q7aDawFkA8RKsDVa9

If you have any ideas to suggest, such as a webinar or workshop, please feel free to contact us at sciencesjournalists@gmail.com. We are open to fresh and innovative ideas that could benefit the community of Science Journalists in MENA.

We wish you all a happy New Year. Best wishes! 

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We aim to promote science journalism, share healthy habits, and reclaim climate protection in the Arab World and Africa.

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