The 4th International Media Forum for Africa and the Middle East was held in Boujdour, Morocco, from October 30 to November 1, 2026. The event brought together journalists, experts, and academics from 15 countries, including Morocco, Mauritania, Turkey, Spain, France, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, Gabon, and Comoros. The forum was organized by the Sahara Club for Journalism and Communication in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
The forum's theme was "Media and Self-Governance: Towards Consolidating Stability and Promoting Development." The event aimed to discuss the role of media in promoting self-governance, development, and stability in the region. The forum also focused on the challenges facing the media industry, including disinformation, cyber security, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism.
The forum featured several workshops and sessions, including a workshop on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in journalism. The workshop was led by experts in the field and aimed to equip journalists with the skills needed to effectively use AI in their work. The forum also discussed the importance of cyber security and the protection of digital data.
The forum's opening session was attended by the governor of Boujdour province and featured presentations by several experts. The session focused on the role of media in promoting self-governance and development. One of the presenters, Sadik El Alam, discussed the Moroccan government's vision for self-governance and its implications for the media.
The forum also featured a session on the role of media in promoting development and stability. The session was led by several experts, including Bouchaib Hamraoui, who discussed the importance of media in promoting development and stability in the region. The session also focused on the challenges facing the media industry, including disinformation and cyber security.
One of the key outcomes of the forum was the signing of a partnership agreement between the Regional Academy of Education and Training and the Sahara Club for Journalism and Communication. The agreement aims to establish a program for "Diplomatic Students and Ambassadors of Territorial Unity," which seeks to equip students with the skills needed to promote national unity and territorial integrity.
The forum also featured the launch of several new publications, including a book by Turkish journalist Hamza Tekin titled "On the Edge of the World: A Journalist's Journey in Humanitarian Paths." The book reflects Tekin's experiences as a journalist and humanitarian worker. The forum also honored several media personalities, including Sudanese journalist Talha Jibreel.
Key points
- The forum brought together journalists and experts from 15 countries to discuss the role of media in promoting self-governance, development, and stability in the region.
- The forum featured several workshops and sessions on topics such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, and the role of media in promoting development and stability.
- The forum resulted in the signing of a partnership agreement between the Regional Academy of Education and Training and the Sahara Club for Journalism and Communication.
