Supporting Independent Media in the Levant and Beyond 

Reflections by Lei Ma and Boris van Westering

Last week, the Mediterranean Agora for journalism – Assise du Journalisme – brought together media professionals, donors and development actors in Marseille. Our team members, Lei Mai (Media Innovation Director) and Boris van Westering (Team Lead Media Innovation) attended the event and engaged in two standout moments: the Sahafa Med event supporting independent journalism in the Levant and MENA region and a powerful panel, “Climate and environmental emergency: What responsibilities do journalists have?”, which Boris moderated.  

These two events, though thematically distinct, pointed to the same underlying challenge: the urgent need for sustainable, resilient journalism in one of the world’s most under-supported regions. 

Strengthening Independent Media  

What is Sahafa Med?

The Sahafa Med programme, supported by the EU, supports independent journalism in nine countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. It brings journalists, donors, media organisations and development actors into conversation to align on needs, priorities and long-term strategies. 

Key takeaways from the Sahafa Med discussions: 

• Funding with foresight: Donors are increasingly looking for clear sustainability plans, cross-border collaboration, transparent governance and strong local leadership. A shift is underway – grantees are being asked for more than outputs; they must show long-term impact and financial health. 

• The need for core support: While project-based funding remains the norm, it often creates instability. What’s needed now is unrestricted core funding that allows media to retain talent, remain agile and innovate. 

• Beyond training: Participants echoed a growing frustration – too many training sessions, too few job opportunities. The call is for international actors to move away from one-off workshops and toward structural support and real pathways for media workers. 

• AI and language gaps: Arabic-language AI tools are urgently needed to prevent exclusion in future media landscapes. Financial and infrastructural support for AI adoption must follow. 

• Localisation must be real: Despite rhetoric around locally led solutions, much of the funding still flows through European or US-based intermediaries. Rebalancing this dynamic is essential. 
  

The event spotlighted a recently launched Global Forum for Media Development report, which maps the media support landscape in the Levant. The findings reinforce the need to reimagine how international actors engage – more listening, more long-term thinking and more trust in local actors. 

Journalism at the Climate Frontlines 

The second event, the “Climate and environmental emergency: What responsibilities do journalists have?” panel, focused on a different but equally urgent topic: climate journalism in the MENA region. Featuring climate journalists and scientists Khaled Sulaiman, Benjamin Sultan, Saker El Nour and Mabrouka Khedir, the panel explored the unique challenges of reporting on environmental issues in the region. Moderating the discussion, Boris opened a discussion on why the topic of climate change is among the hardest to navigate in the field. 

Key takeaways from the panel: 

• Preparation and networks matter: Covering the climate crisis requires strong relationships with local communities, civil society and scientists. Journalists must be ready to navigate science, politics and misinformation. 

• Context is everything: Climate change is often used as a scapegoat for deeper governance and social issues. Journalists play a key role in restoring nuance, holding power accountable and promoting resilience and agency. 

• Environmental justice is part of the story: Reporting on environmental destruction – from ecosystems to war zones like Gaza – demands courage, depth and a commitment to justice. 

• Innovate or fade: Complex issues require compelling storytelling. Digital platforms must be used to meet audiences where they are – with engaging, useful content that informs and inspires. 
  

Together these two moments at Assise du Journalisme underscored that journalism in the MENA region is both essential and under incredible pressures. Our new strategy for 2025-2027 emphasizes how we aim to build viable media ecosystems that foster pluralistic, quality and resilient media. The road ahead requires collective commitment, sustained funding and a focus on long-term, locally rooted impact. 

Want to learn more about how we support and train journalists in the region? Learn more about the MENA Scholarship Programme, offered through the RNTC Media Training Centre.