The HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism Studies, held on April 17, 2025, gathered journalists, professionals, and peace practitioners.
Additionally, it convened about 200 guests from 50 nations, representing journalism, academia, peace practice, civil society, and policy groups worldwide.
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They deliberated how Peace Journalism could be used to overcome conflicts and information manipulation amid rapid digitalization worldwide.
In Transforming Conflict through AI and Cultural Understanding, a salient issue was AI’s impact on journalism at HWPL Workshop. Journalists discussed how to adopt new technology responsibly while honoring accuracy, fairness, and compassion in Peace Journalism.
The conference featured panelists who discussed the new book, Peace Journalism Studies (2024). The journal highlights the ability of Peace Journalism to promote people’s reconciliation as well as peoples-to-people dialogue, where there is conflict. Case studies illustrate how positive reporting can build bridges and support sustainable peacebuilding.
In his congratulatory note, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Director General Mr. Berry Lwando said this.
“Everything that matters, we highlight in the mediascape of the day in HWPL Workshop.”
“Peace Journalism is not conflict-avoidance; it is reporting conflict so that it leads not to conflict, but conversation.”
This is our responsibility, all of ours.
Hon. Noel Lipipa, Parliamentarian for Malawi’s Blantyre City South, sent his best wishes. Moreover, I am heartened by activity to show how cultural literacy can partner with AI. This helps manage conflict and retell stories. The world can only gain from many more Peace Journalism storytellers. Garfield Burford, Director of Current Affairs, Sports, and News at ABS TV Radio, Antigua and Barbuda, highlights evidence-led reporting. It supports eradicating misinformation. Although AI can streamline journalism, he notes it still raises accuracy and reliability issues. Burford notes ethical judgment and human empathy are essential parts of a journalist’s job.
Sijam Sinjali, CEO of the Nepal-based Agleshwori Hills Development Trust, discusses his opinions on how Peace Journalism can promote peace building through non-violence. In his essay, he examines the challenges of Peace Journalism, such as ethical conflicts, as well as how technology can assist in providing quality, problem-solving news.
Representing the Philippines, Dr. Musa Damao, the Executive Director of angsamoro Dialogue for Peace and Justice, Inc., shares how peace journalism contributes support to the Bangsamoro peace process. Dr. Damao advocates for incorporating peace education into curricula of schools, and explains how ethical journalism can further support sustainable peace and development.
Varna Institute of Peace Research CEO Josef Mühlbauer describes how dialogue and debate can break through negative narratives. Referring to the “Varna Peace Institute” podcast, he says there is a constant conversation that can bring conflict roots to the forefront of minds and bring people together with a better understanding.
Ms. Tuty Purwaningsih, Director of Media Desa of Indonesia, explains in her article how communities raise values like compassion, and how the media can contribute by raising such values through positive stories in HWPL.
Moreover, the workshop aligns with HWPL’s larger peace activities, including the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Article 10 of the DPCW, ‘Spreading a Culture of Peace,’ describes how media can promote peace through responsible journalism.
HWPL continues advocating for journalism that will establish a peaceful, harmonious society.
The conference concluded by calling for greater cooperation between peacebuilders, academics, and journalists. It reaffirmed a commitment to ethical, responsible reporting amid the increasingly changing world of the media.
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