The Moroccan Young Journalists Forum has published a report highlighting its nearly decade-long efforts to enhance journalism skills, foster professional debate, and engage in discussions on media and human rights in Morocco. The report, titled “Assessment of the Moroccan Young Journalists Forum: From Capacity Building to Impact Creation,” covers the Forum’s activities from 2017 to 2026. During this period, the organization has evolved from individual initiatives to a structured program focusing on training, research, advocacy, and partnerships.
The Forum has conducted 49 training sessions and activities, reaching almost 1,000 participants. These programs addressed various issues, including freedom of expression, journalists’ rights, ethical reporting, access to information, data journalism, digital security, and disinformation. Additionally, the Forum tackled topics such as gender and diversity in the media, advocacy, leadership, and strategies to influence public policy. These training sessions aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of their profession.
Beyond training, the Forum created spaces for journalists and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the profession. Between 2018 and 2026, it organized 36 professional discussion and consultation events, including conferences, roundtables, workshops, study days, and a summer university. These events brought together journalists, academics, researchers, human rights advocates, civil society groups, and institutional representatives to examine changes in the media sector.
The Forum’s work expanded into research and publishing, with 20 publications and knowledge and advocacy documents produced between 2018 and 2026. These outputs include seven advocacy memoranda, four books and conference proceedings, three professional guides, three reports, and two studies. This body of work reflects the Forum’s shift towards advocacy based on research, monitoring, policy proposals, and dialogue with public institutions.
The Forum’s advocacy efforts have focused on several major issues affecting Moroccan journalism, including reform of the National Press Council, media self-regulation, the legal framework for press freedom, pluralism, journalists’ protection, and professional working conditions. Notably, the Forum worked with the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism, preparing a parallel report on Morocco’s human rights record in 2022 and engaging with diplomatic missions.
The organization has established partnerships with 20 national and international institutions and organizations, including multilateral bodies, Moroccan public institutions, international cooperation agencies, donors, and international NGOs. These partnerships have not only provided financial support but also helped shape programs, develop working methods and tools, and create longer-term initiatives. In 2025, the Forum obtained consultative status with UNESCO, following years of cooperation on various projects.
The Moroccan Young Journalists Forum’s trajectory reflects a shift from capacity-building for young journalists to a broader role in professional debate, knowledge production, and advocacy on issues affecting the media and journalists’ rights in Morocco. The Forum’s growth and impact over the past decade demonstrate its commitment to promoting a free and independent press in Morocco.
Key points
- The Moroccan Young Journalists Forum has conducted 49 training sessions and activities, reaching almost 1,000 participants, and established partnerships with 20 national and international institutions and organizations.
- The Forum has produced 20 publications and knowledge and advocacy documents, including seven advocacy memoranda, four books and conference proceedings, and three reports.
- The organization obtained consultative status with UNESCO in 2025, following years of cooperation on data journalism, access to information, digital security, and media and information literacy.
