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MEDIA ASSOCIATION FOR PEACE

ANNUAL REPORT

2015

MAP Annual Report 2015

Contents A Year in Review

Introduction to MAP

a. Mission and Vision

b. Values and Goals

c. MAP Programs

1. Media, Peace and Conflict

2. Media, Peace and Human Rights

3. Media, Peace and Development

4. Media, Peace and Environment

5. Volunteer & Internship Program (VIP)

A. MAP Projects & Activities

a. Major Activities

1. 5th Annual Peace Journalism Workshop

2. Environmental Peace Journalism Training Retreat

3. Public Discussion on Media, Peace & Environment

4. Roundtable Discussion on Media, Women & UNSCR 1325

5. International Day of Peace

b. Second Anniversary & Fundraising Dinner

c. Christmas Gathering

d. Joint Activities

1. MasterPeace International Bootcamp

2. 1325 Media Toolkit

3. Trainings on Communication skills and Conflict Mitigation

B. MAP Partnerships & Collaborations

1. Partnering with the American University of Sciences & Technology

2. Meeting with South Korean Peace Activists

3. Networking with Youth NGOs

4. Training with UNESCO

5. MEPI LAA Open Space Forum on Lebanese Civil Society

6. Speaking at AUB

7. Joining the Service Info Project

8. “Hayda Lubnan” project

9. Celebrating 70 Years of the United Nations

Partners and Sponsors


C. Civil Society Engagement

a. Human Rights & Women’s Rights

1. Learning and Teaching Human Rights Journalism

2. Promoting Gender-Sensitive Reporting

3. Considering Media’s Portrayal of Women

4. Transforming Conflict with Syrian and Lebanese Youth

5. Joining Women in Front

6. Encouraging Women in Politics

7. Paying Tribute to Women Leaders

8. Considering the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Syrian Conflict

9. Preventing Women’s Trafficking

b. Environmental awareness

1. Exploring Waste Management Alternatives

2. Managing Water Resources

3. Protecting Forests

4. Saving Dalieh of Raouche

5. Investigating Oil Resource Policies

6. Training Rotaract Sahel Metn Members

c. Media Activities

1. New Media: Strategies and Challenges.

2. MAP members meeting Jim Clancy

3. Consulting with the Syndicate of Journalism

4. Foundation’s Report on Internet Freedom in Lebanon

D. MAP around the World

1. Women’s Leadership Institute on Peace & Security in Istanbul

2. UNESCO Simulation on Multilateral Negotiations in Paris

3. Human Rights and Youth Policies Workshop in Tunisia

4. Multimedia Training in Marseille

5. Conference on Digital Citizenship in the Mediterranean in France

6. Regional Meeting on Media and Women in Amman

7. Developing the 1325 Toolkit in Sweden

8. Media in the Mediterranean Exhibition in Marseille

9. Training with Peace Bag in Barcelona

E. Media Appearances

1. Featured on Al-Jazeera


2. Celebrating the International Day of Women with Woman Mariam TV

3. Discussing Environmental Peace Journalism on Nour Al Shabab

4. Promoting Environmental Media on "Akhdar, Mish Yebes"

5. Reflecting on the MPE Retreat with Arrisala

F. MAP TEAM

1. Boosting International Volunteerism

2. Recruiting New Peace Journalists

3. Exhibiting at BAU’s NGO Fair

4. Promoting Peace Journalism at NDU

5. Networking at AUB’s NGO Exhibition

6. Speaking at NDU

7. Meet the Team


A Year in Review A word by MAP Founder, President and Executive Director Vanessa Bassil

It is hard to summarize a year in few words. It has been an amazing journey, full of achievements,

hard work and learning.

Working for peace in Lebanon and striving for change in an atmosphere of hopelessness and

indifference is very challenging. Nonetheless, MAP was able to make a lot of good things happen in a

short period of time with a lot of dedication, determination and perseverance.

Being only a two-year old NGO, 2015 was the first full working year for Media Association for Peace.

In less than a year, we participated in more than 30 activities in the Lebanese civil society, took part

in more than 10 international conferences and trainings, and organized dozens of capacity building

workshops, trainings, public discussions and peace events, as well as received a lot of media

coverage, most recently being featured in Al Jazeera.

In addition, we have established 4 media programs, launched the unique Media, Peace &

Environment project, and designed a Volunteer and Internship Program (VIP), as our interns and

volunteers are the cornerstone of the Association's structure.

This said, I would like to particularly thank the wonderful MAP team, whose high motivation and

commitment allowed the Association to move quickly to a higher level.

Thank you Anna-Maria, Julien, Nour, Christina, Aya, Marcelina, Hadeel, Nada Q., Nada J., Zeina, Alaa,

Bechara and all the members and volunteers who believed in MAP's mission and vision, shared our

dream of making peace and contributed to turning it into reality.

It is also hard to grow and expand our work without the support of our partners in Lebanon and

abroad. Thank you to all of them for seeing MAP as a benefit to the media and peace fields.

Finally, we might take for granted the support of friends and family, but without their presence and

encouragement, battles are harder to win.

I am extremely grateful to all of those who walked the journey with me with all of its difficulties. I am

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also very appreciative to all the ones who believe that the young MAP team can and will make a

great impact.

At the end, it is only the beginning…we will always be ready to overcome difficulties, fight for our

dreams, and work with passion and devotion for what we believe is right.

Peace always,

Vanessa Bassil


Introduction to MAP MAP is the Media Association for Peace, the first non-governmental organization in Lebanon, the

Middle East and North Africa dedicated to work on the role of Media in Peace, Conflict and Social

Change through the concept of Peace Journalism.

It is a non-partisan, non-governmental, youth-led organization, founded by the journalist and peace

activist Ms. Vanessa Bassil. MAP was registered in 2013 under number 812 at the Lebanese Ministry

of Interior.

The name of the organization is inspired by the metaphor of Peace Journalism: “Peace Journalism

approach provides a new road map tracing the connections between journalists, their sources, the

stories they cover and the consequences of their reporting – the ethics of journalistic intervention”

(Lynch & McGoldrick 2005).

a. Mission and Vision Vision

The vision of MAP is to get to a media that plays an essential role in peacebuilding especially in

conflict and post-conflict areas while enhancing Human Rights, Dialogue, Reconciliation, Gender

Equality, Sustainable Development and Social Justice in order to reach a less violent, more peaceful

world.

Mission

For that, MAP’s mission is spreading, advocating, training, developing, practicing, and researching the

concept of Peace Journalism through workshops, seminars, conferences, public debates, projects and

publications, while creating strong support networks, in Lebanon, the MENA region and worldwide.

b. Values and Goals Goals

1. Spread the concept of peace journalism and advocate for its role and importance in society while

expanding the network of peace journalists locally and internationally.

2. Train media students, young media professionals and journalists on the theory and practice of

peace journalism through constructive conflict coverage, and solution-oriented reporting on human

rights, development, and environmental issues.

3. Raise awareness about the role of media in peacebuilding and social change, and promote

empathetic, ethical, responsible, and positive media qualities that enhance dialogue, peace,

reconciliation, citizenship and gender equality.

4. Encourage critical thought and constructive feedback on the functions of media in

(conflict-affected) societies and develop the intellectual, cultural and professional capacity of media

professionals.


5. Create partnerships between the media sphere, academic institutions, governmental and

non-governmental organizations that share MAP’s goals and values and that are consistent with the

Lebanese laws and context.

Values

At MAP, we believe in: Love, Peace, Justice, Integrity, Respect, Non-violence, Solidarity, Dialogue,

Diversity and Openness, as human values.

c. MAP Programs

1. Media, Peace and Conflict The “Media, Peace and Conflict Program” is MAP’s core project. Through MPC, the Media Association

for Peace explores, expands and teaches the links between journalism and peace. Major activities in

our MPC Program include Annual Peace Journalism Workshops, Public Discussions about Peace

Journalism, a Digital Journalism Workshop, a Peace Journalism Symposium, and various international

events.

2. Media, Peace and Human Rights The Media Association for Peace believes that human rights are a powerful tool for building and

maintaining peace in any country. As peace journalists, we have to protect and defend those rights.

MAP’s “Media, Peace and Human Rights Program” considers the relationship between peace

journalism and human rights.

At the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the Ambassador of Norway Mrs. Lene Lind asserted

that the brighter development of Lebanon cannot happen without the progress of women's rights in

the country. At MAP, we agree that “women’s rights are human rights.” Our “Media, Peace and

Human Rights Program” thus devotes considerable attention to the condition of women Lebanon and

the region.

3. Media, Peace and Development MAP believes in positive peace. Far from the mere absence of conflict (negative peace), true and

sustainable peace requires the presence of justice. Our “Media, Peace and Development Program”

explores how the media can play a role in improving development locally and around the world.

MAP’s first Workshop on Development Journalism encouraged more than twenty-five young

journalists to consider how their reporting impacts development realities.

4. Media, Peace and Environment Too often, the natural environment is undervalued, even as human existence depends on it. Climate

change and the increasing number of natural disasters demonstrate that we must act now on

environmental issues. Lebanon’s ongoing garbage crisis highlights the problems of environmental

mismanagement, the urgency of the problem and the need for sustainable solutions. At Media

Association for Peace, we believe that it is everyone’s job to help solve the situation. Our “Media,

Peace and Environment Program” shows the connections between nature and peace journalism,

exploring the emerging concept of “environmental peacebuilding.”


5. Volunteer & Internship Program (VIP)

Through this program, we receive students from different universities in Lebanon to undertake an

internship with our team, learn from our projects, contribute to our events, and meet our network.

A. MAP Projects & Activities

a. Major Activities

1. 5th Annual Peace Journalism Workshop Under its Media, Peace and Conflict Program (MPC), MAP held its Fifth Annual Peace Journalism

Workshop. The 2015 Workshop was supported by GIZ-ZFD as part of the “Hayda Lubnan” Project and

took place at Crowne Plaza in Hamra, Beirut from November 27th till November 29th , 2015.

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, began the first session with an

evaluation of Lebanese and Arab media and showed how to pinpoint war journalism in their stories.

She also stressed the relationship between politicized media and levels of objectivity. Ms. Bassil then

introduced the concept of Peace Journalism and its role in divided societies, teaching participants

how to investigate factors leading to conflicts and division and the difference between the root

causes of conflict and factors of diversity and difference.

On the second day, participants were divided into groups and tasked with evaluating media coverage

of the violent incidents that took place on May 7th 2008 in Lebanon. Participants considered the

power of words and pictures in affecting the track of conflict situations. Their study was based on

terms and expressions used to report the news and the connotations behind each of them. As a

result, they were able to specify the standards and regulations that every peace journalist should

refer to when covering newsworthy stories.

The Workshop’s final morning included a session on the issue of Media, Peace and Human Rights,

highlighting the reality of violence against women in the light of the U.N Security Council Resolution

1325: Women, Peace and Security. Ms. Bassil and Ms. Gertraud Beck, GIZ Representative, then

introduced “Hayda Lubnan”, a web platform designed to feature positive stories about Lebanon.

Participants were asked to brainstorm story ideas promoting the role of journalism in conflict

transformation and its contribution toward achieving real and sustainable peace.

The Fifth Annual Peace Journalism Workshop concluded with an Awards Ceremony during which all

attending trainees received certificates of participation.


2. Environmental Peace Journalism Training Retreat MAP’s first major event of 2015 was Lebanon’s first Training Retreat dedicated to the intersection

between peace journalism and environmental concerns. Under its Media, Peace and Environment

Program (MPE), and within its Environmental Media, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation

Project, MAP organized a Training Retreat on “The Role of Peace Journalism in Environmental

Governance and Sustainable Development in Lebanon”. The Retreat was held in collaboration with

the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP), implemented by the United

Nations Development Program (UNDP) and supported by the European Union (EU).

The four-day retreat took place in Dhour El Choueir’s Evangelical Conference Center between April 6th

and April 9th 2015. More than fifteen journalism, media and international affairs students from

different Lebanese universities participated in the training. Over fifteen environmental experts,

journalists and researchers attended the event as trainers.

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, launched the retreat,

emphasizing that it was the first of its kind. It must be noted that the Media, Peace and Environment

Program (MPE) seeks to reach positive peace by addressing indirect violence represented in culture

and societal structures. That having been said, the retreat encouraged participants to engage in

environmental peace journalism and to create a pressure group oriented towards findings solutions

for pressing environmental problems in Lebanon which might cause or result from conflicts.


3. Public Discussion on Media, Peace & Environment Under its Media, Peace and Environment Program (MPE), MAP held a Public Discussion on the

intersection between media, peace and the environment on May 26th 2015 at its headquarters in

AltCity, located in Hamra. The discussion was held in collaboration with the Global Environment

Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Program

(UNDP) and supported by the European Union (EU). More than twenty people from a variety of

professions, including activists, journalists, environmentalists, as well as participants from the earlier

Environmental Peace Journalism Training Retreat attended this event.

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, launched the discussion by

speaking about “the importance of the meeting in the mainstream press in regards to the concept of

peace, and to determine its relationship to the environment.” Antoine Abou Moussa, an

environmental activist and adviser, then spoke about environmental risks in Lebanon and the global

environmental movement. Afterwards, MAP Member Nour Ghoussaini explored the status of local

environmental journalism, emphasizing the relative weakness of Lebanon’s environmental media.

Additionally, Annahar journalist Pascale Azar spoke about her experience in covering environmental

issues, the violence enacted on the environment by all stakeholders and the potential for using

media as a means for pressuring concerned actors and impacting citizens. Al-Akhbar journalist

Bassam Kantar for his part presented the challenges facing environmental journalism in Lebanon and

called for the establishment of a union for environmental journalists and for the consolidation of the

relationship between media and civil society in order to help address those challenges.

In the second part of the discussion, MAP Members shared their diverse experiences within the

Media, Peace and Environment Program (MPE). Christina Peter emphasized the importance of

“breaking the stereotype of environmental journalism,” believing that it is necessary for journalists to

become interested in this topic as it has a lasting impact on both present and future generations.

The event ended with a cocktail, encouraging all attendees to meet each other and share their own

ideas and experiences.


4. Roundtable Discussion on Media, Women & UNSCR 1325 MAP held a Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday September 29th 2015. Civil society activists, interested

citizens, media students and NGOs came together to explore ways to create space for interactions

between media and civil society organizations in Lebanon in order to advance the Women, Peace &

Security Agenda. MAP organized the event as part of its Media, Peace and Human Rights Program

(MPHR) under its “Women and Media in the MENA Region” project implemented in collaboration

with the Swedish organization “Operation 1325”.

The Roundtable Discussion began with an introduction to the topic by MAP researchers. The

introduction also included a monitoring report which highlighted the frequency and quality of

journalistic articles covering women’s issues. Additionally, MAP introduced its media toolkit

co-written with partners from the Kurdistan’s Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) and

Palestine’s Women, Media and Development Organization (TAM).

Participants unanimously agreed that the portrayal of women in the media emphasized images of

victimization and sexualization, with women infrequently spotlighted in leadership roles.

The Discussion then turned to the interaction of civil society organizations with one another and the

media. Although some participants pointed out the unhealthy and often detrimental competition

between civil society organizations, attending NGO representatives highlighted that contrary to

popular belief, there is cooperation and collaboration between certain organizations; unfortunately,

these partnerships are not highlighted by the media. A debate on the topic ensued, with the majority

concluding that diversity is richness and that all NGO efforts should be covered by the media,

irrespective of their cooperative efforts or lack thereof.

The event ended with participants suggesting names of successful women for MAP journalists to

interview. Lastly, MAP committed itself to sharing its media toolkit on Women, Peace and Security

with all of the participants and the wider Lebanese civil society.


5. International Day of Peace Each year on September 21st, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Peace. For the

past several years, MAP has sponsored events around Lebanon joining in the global celebrations.

In 2015, MAP hosted an event under the patronage of the Municipality of Saida, in collaboration with

the Blue Mission Organization and the Development for People and Nature Association observing the

International Day of Peace. Over 150 people gathered in the Municipal Hall on Sunday September

27th 2015 for three hours of “Music as a Tool for Peace”.

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, introduced the event by

delivering a speech in which she asserted that “Saida is a city that deserves life, joy and peace. Many

of its young citizens are working against violence to spread love instead of hate. This celebration is a

chance for them to showcase their talents. Since medias mostly broadcast scenes of conflict and

violence in Saida, we are standing here today to show that there is hope for this city, and we came

from all over Lebanon to show our support and to celebrate, with its inhabitants, moments of joy and

peace through art, which is a collective language.”

Ms. Adila Al Nahouli, Blue Mission Organization Representative, insisted that “where there is hope,

the best is achieved, goodness is spread and destruction is abolished.” Ms. Hiba Antoun,

Development for People and Nature Association Representative, for her part argued that “we need

to walk the path of peace, as it is the salvation for a better life.”

After the inspiring opening remarks, a special, varied talent show began. Singers, dancers and

musicians from Saida as well as from Ain Al Helwe - a nearby Palestinian camp - performed. The three

hours were filled with diverse sounds: “Heart Rhythm” performed occidental songs, “Sawt Al Shaab”

rapped, “Zaytouna” danced to folkloric and popular music and “Lagee” showcased various talents.

At the end of the evening, attendees were asked to join in by writing answers to the question “What

Does Peace Mean to You?” on a white sign. Their answers varied from happiness, collaboration, love,

inner peace, life, Palestine, to a new Lebanon. The community-created sign is displayed in Saida’s

public library as a memorial of the International Day of Peace celebration.


b. Second Anniversary & Fundraising Dinner In celebration of its Second Anniversary, MAP organized a Fundraising Dinner under the patronage of

the Minister of Information, His Excellency Mr. Ramzy Jreij. On July 7th 2015, MAP supporters

gathered at the Country Lodge in Bsalim to celebrate the association’s milestone.

Mrs. Laure Sleiman Saab, Director of the National News Agency, represented the Minister of

Information. Also attending were Dr. George Sadaka, Dean of the Faculty of Information at the

Lebanese University, Mr. Bechara Khairallah, Consultant to the President of the Republic, and

numerous clerics, mayors, civil society leaders, journalists, and members and friends of the

organization, including representatives of the Rotaract Club-Sahel Metn, the Adyan Foundation, the

Wahdatouna Khalasouna Network, the Maharat Foundation, JCI and Mentor Arabia.

Preceding the Fundraising Dinner was a conference at which the Director of the National News

Agency delivered a speech about the importance of Peace Journalism in Lebanon. Afterwards, Ms.

Vanessa Bassil outlined the organization’s future plans for fostering positive peace in Lebanon,

including the “Heyda Lubnan” webspace which will be moderated by MAP in collaboration with GIZ.

Three MAP Members, Ms. Hind Abboud, Ms. Nour Ghoussaini, and Ms. Mariam Akanan, spoke about

their experience with the organization.

MAP is thankful for the support which has allowed it to spread the concept of Peace Journalism in

Lebanon and around the world during its early years. The MAP team looks forward to its continuing

growth as it creates new programs and forms partnerships in order to further its mission and vision.


c. Christmas Gathering To celebrate a very successful year, MAP invited its friends, supporters and partners to a Christmas

gathering on December 21st 2015. The evening included delicious food, a rock band performance and

a variety of games, all within a friendly atmosphere.

Events like the Christmas Gathering are one way MAP shows its appreciation to the many volunteers,

interns, and partners who make its work possible. From all of the MAP team, thank you for

everything that you do! We hope your 2015 was filled with as much positive energy and excitement

as ours was. Best wishes for 2016.


d. Joint Activities

1. MasterPeace International Bootcamp MAP hosts Lebanon’s chapter of MasterPeace, a global group of organizations dedicated to positive

peace. In 2015, the MasterPeace Club of Lebanon organized the Annual International Bootcamp for

all country club leaders. Between May 18th and May 22nd , more than thirty-five peace leaders

gathered at the Evangelical Conference Center in Dhour El Choueir. Participants came to Lebanon

from Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Bengal, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Georgia, India,

Iraq, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia,

Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The first two days of the Bootcamp explored MasterPeace’s vision for the year 2020, the Club’s

international activities and the social media campaigns.

On the third day, the participants visited Lebanon’s ancient city of Byblos. Mayor Ziad Hawat

welcomed the group to his city, after which Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive

Director of MAP, presented Mr. Hawat with a token of appreciation for his hospitality. Afterwards,

the MasterPeace country representatives were treated to a tour of Byblos’ historic citadel, and they

learned about the various civilizations which have controlled the area since the city was originally

inhabited in 5000 BC.

On the fourth and final day, participants worked in groups to create regional projects which promote

cooperation between neighboring clubs and ensure organizational sustainability. Country leaders

evaluated the training as informative, active, and productive, and they presented souvenir gifts from

their home nations to the MAP Organizing Team.


2. 1325 Media Toolkit In partnership with the Swedish organization Operation 1325, MAP worked with the Women’s

Empowerment Organization in Iraqi Kurdistan and the Women Media and Development organization

in Palestine to develop and launch a 1325 Media Toolkit.

Indeed, the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 emphasizes women’s rights to participate in conflict

prevention, peace processes and democratic transition. The 1325 Media Toolkit that was created

combines the experiences of three Middle Eastern NGOs, and shares practical advice coupled with

inspiring creative actions in regards to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

In 2015, MAP team members attended meetings in Jordan and Sweden to work with the partner

organizations involved in the media toolkit. The final Toolkit was launched on November 18th and is

now available online.


3. Trainings on Communication Skills and Conflict Mitigation From October 2014 till March 2015, MAP served as a Consultant to International Alert, a leading

global peacebuilding organization. Supported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the UNHCR and the

EU, MAP conducted five trainings around Lebanon for healthcare providers. MAP spread knowledge

about conflict mitigation, stress management and communication skills; all necessary assets to

enhancing medical professionals’ treatment of Syrian refugees.


B. MAP Partnerships & Collaborations

1. Partnering with the American University of Sciences & Technology

MAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AUST in regards to the Volunteer and Internship

Program (VIP). By the means of this memorandum, MAP welcomes AUST students to undertake an

internship that will help them in their future professional lives.


2. Meeting with South Korean Peace Activists

South Korea’s International Peace Youth Group visited MAP’s Lebanese Headquarters in order to

explore a collaboration between the two organizations. MAP’s Founder, President and Executive

Director Ms. Vanessa Bassil signed a Peace Pledge as a Youth Peace Leader committing to the

cessation of wars and the achievement of world peace.

3. Networking with Youth NGOs

MAP Members attended a Youth NGO Networking Event hosted by UNESCO on June 27th as part of

the Net Med Youth project.


4. Training with UNESCO MAP member Christina Boutros represented MAP at a photography training session held at the

UNESCO palace, under the Net Med Youth Project.

5. MEPI LAA Open Space Forum on Lebanese Civil Society

Under the Patronage of Mr. David Hale, American Ambassador to Lebanon, the Middle East

Partnership Initiative - Lebanon’s Alumni Association organized an Open Space Forum on “Lebanese

Civil Society: Challenges & Opportunities.” MAP joined over sixty Lebanese NGOs between February

20th and February 22nd in Bethania, Harissa and Kesserwen, Kadaa to share experiences and develop

an action plan. Assembled leaders identified common priorities, objectives and opportunities to

generate creative ideas for developing Lebanon’s civil society. During the Forum, MAP Founder,

President and Executive Director Ms. Vanessa Bassil, and member Christina Boutros, gave a

presentation about the role of media in peacebuilding.


6. Speaking at AUB

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, was invited to be a Guest

Speaker at the American University of Beirut’s Student Civic Engagement Conference on November

26th to share her experience about founding an NGO as well as about the challenges and

opportunities of promoting Peace Journalism.


7. Joining the Service Info Project

MAP met with the International Rescue Committee to join their Service Info Project, a tool matching

providers and beneficiaries online.

8. “Hayda Lubnan” Project

In August 2015, MAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GIZ- ZFD for a new partnership

on a project called “Hayda Lubnan”. On December 12th , MAP participated in the first workshop of the

project along with Utopia and Frame. In this project, MAP will create and manage the content of a

webspace, aimed for young journalists and students to post stories about a positive Lebanon.


9. Celebrating 70 Years of the United Nations

MAP was invited to attend the Celebration of the United Nation’s 70th Anniversary on October 21st at

Biel in Beirut.

Partners and Sponsors MAP is proud to work with a variety of partners, locally and globally. MAP is grateful for the fruitful

meetings and collaborations with numerous of stakeholders. MAP sends special thanks to the

following supporters and collaborators who have played a vital role in its peacebuilding work:


C. Civil Society Engagement

a. Human Rights & Women’s Rights

1. Learning and Teaching Human Rights Journalism

MAP members participated in a Human Rights Journalism Workshop held at the Lebanese American

University (LAU) on March 2nd 2015. The event was organized by the Lebanese Center for Human

Rights.

2. Promoting Gender-Sensitive Reporting

MAP participated in a Gender-Sensitive Reporting Workshop hosted by Search for Common Ground

and the Lebanese Association for Education and Training on February 2nd


3. Considering Media’s Portrayal of Women Team members Ms. Nour Ghoussaini and Ms. Marcelina Herisson joined Search for Common Ground

and the Lebanese Association for Education and Training for a roundtable discussion revolving

around women’s rights and the portrayal of women in the media.

4. Transforming Conflict with Syrian and Lebanese Youth

MAP team members participated in a three-day training on "Conflict Transformation and

Peacebuilding" organized by GIZ. The training focused on equipping Syrian and Lebanese youth with

interpersonal conflict transformation skills using a Board Game called "Let's Talk".


5. Joining Women in Front

MAP member Ms. Nour Ghoussaini represented MAP at Lebanon’s Women in Politics Conference

organized by Women in Front on May 24th 2015.

6. Encouraging Women in Politics

Women in Front is an organization dedicated to increasing the participation of women in Lebanese

local and national politics. MAP took part in a Strategic Planning Workshop as part of Women in

Front’s "Sure, She Can" Project.


7. Paying Tribute to Women Leaders

MAP members Hind Abboud and. Jane Semaan attended the May Chidiac Foundation’s Annual

Conference on “Women on the Front Lines" on May 4th 2015. Attendees included Mr. David Hale,

American Ambassador to Lebanon, who gave opening remarks, Roula Moussa, who shared her

experience of owning a company, and May El Khalil, who told her story of founding the Beirut

Marathon. The 2015 event was designed to inspire women to pursue their passions, think big and

turn their dreams into reality. The conference paid tribute to women journalists from all around the

world, who shared their career paths, their commitment to their work and the specific challenges

and dangers they face in their jobs.

8. Considering the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Syrian Conflict

MAP attended a conference on the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Syrian Conflict on Syria and

Lebanon on December 10th . The conference was organized by the Lebanese Economic Association

and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty.


9. Preventing Women’s Trafficking

MAP participated in KAFA’s workshop for journalists. The workshop revolved around Women’s

Trafficking, and took place on December 9th 2015.


b. Environmental awareness

1. Exploring Waste Management Alternatives MAP attended a Panel Discussion on Solid Waste Management Alternatives, hosted by IndyAct, at

the Artheum in Quarantina on January 29th 2015. Team representatives learned from Dr. Fifi Khallab,

an environmental socio-economist, Mr. Bassam Sabbagh, Head of the Urban Environment Service at

the Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Paul Abi Rached, Founder, President and CEO of environmental

NGO Terre Liban. The information gained and the connections made at the event were helpful to

MAP in organizing the Environmental Peace Journalism Training Retreat.


2. Managing Water Resources

MAP members attended a seminar on "Water Resource Scarcity: Challenges and Opportunities"

organized by Save Energy Plant Trees and the Faculty of Business and Management at the University

of Balamand, on March 3rd 2015. At the seminar, MAP members learned more about Lebanon’s

water and how to appropriately manage this vital resource, from three environmental and legal

experts.

3. Protecting Forests

Following the invitation of the Ministry of Agriculture, MAP Founder, President and Executive

Director Ms. Vanessa Bassil and member Ms. Hind Abboud attended a field trip to the Janne area

near Jbeil on March 5th 2015. The event focused on protecting forests from climate change in the

MENA region and was funded by the German Agency for Development. In addition to visiting the

forest, Ms. Bassil and Ms. Abboud participated in the discussion about the role of media in finding

solutions for Lebanese forest conservation.


4. Saving Dalieh of Raouche

MAP member Ms. Aya Amkieh represented MAP in

the Press Conference of the Civil Campaign to

Protect the Dalieh of Raouche at the Ministry of

Environment.

5. Investigating Oil Resource Policies

MAP members attended a conference on Petroleum Administration, aimed at exploring Lebanon’s oil

resources and policies on October 30th 2015.

6. Training Rotaract Sahel Metn Members

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, delivered a Peace

Journalism Training to members of Rotaract Sahel Metn as part of a capacity-building exchange

partnership between Rotaract Sahel Metn and MAP.


c. Media Activities

1. New Media: Strategies and Challenges.

MAP member Ms. Corine Chalfoun attended the second Conference of the Ministry of Information

revolving around “New Media: Strategies and Challenges”.

2. MAP Members Meeting Jim Clancy

MAP members attended a lecture given by reporter Jim Clancy at the Lebanese American University

(LAU) on March 6th 2015. The international journalist and former CNN anchor was hosted in Lebanon

by the Department of Communication Arts at the Lebanese American University, in partnership with

the May Chidiac Foundation.


3. Consulting with the Syndicate of Journalism

MAP helped organize a consultative meeting on July 25th 2015, aimed at exploring the role and

contributions of the Syndicate of Journalism in Lebanon. MAP Founder, President and Executive

Director Ms. Vanessa Bassil and member Ms. Nour Ghoussaini participated in the meeting along with

a group of journalists and bloggers.


4. Foundation’s Report on Internet Freedom in Lebanon

MAP took part in the launching of the Maharat Foundation’s Report on Internet Freedom in Lebanon

at the UNESCO palace on September 3rd 2015.


D. MAP around the World Women’s Leadership Institute on Peace & Security in Istanbul

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, was selected to take part in

the Women’s Leadership Institute on Peace & Security in Istanbul in Turkey, organized by Crea and

Cordaid from January 20th till January 25th 2015. The weeklong course was designed to forge

transformative, activist leaders in fragile and conflict-affected areas. The Institute applied a feminist

intersectional lens to examine how inter-movement strategies can strengthen women’s voices for

conflict transformation. During her week in Turkey, Ms. Bassil reflected on current political

landscapes from around the world, learned about historical strategies employed by women’s rights

movements and considered how global examples might strengthen MAP’s work in Lebanon.


2. UNESCO Simulation on Multilateral Negotiations in Paris

MAP team members Mr. Fabien Abou Jaoude and Mr. Fernand Abou Jaoude represented MAP in

Paris on April 26th and 27th for UNESCO’s 22nd Simulation on Multilateral Negotiations. The Simulation

was attended by media associations, local and international TV channels, religious organizations and

UNESCO. Master’s students in Diplomacy and Strategic Negotiations at La Sagesse University, the two

MAP representatives explored the ethical and responsible role of media in intercultural dialogue and

successfully campaigned for the inclusion of Peace Journalism’s objectives and values in the

Negotiations’ final statement.

3. Human Rights and Youth Policies Workshop in Tunisia

MAP participated in the Human Rights and Youth Policies Workshop organized by Naseej. MAP team

member Ms. Hind Abboud traveled to Tunisia to represent MAP.


4. Multimedia Training in Marseille

MAP attended a multimedia training hosted by its partner, the French NGO Urban Prod in Marseille

on October 30th 2015 within Urban Prod’s “Webtrotteur in Med” project. The trip helped build MAP’s

capacity and gave it the opportunity to share experiences with other like-minded organizations.

5. Conference on Digital Citizenship in the Mediterranean in France

In addition to MAP’s visit to Marseille, organizers of the “Webtrotteur in Med” project visited MAP’s

offices in Beirut and met with the MAP team. Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive

Director of MAP, was then invited as a guest speaker to the First Conference on Digital Citizenship in

the Mediterranean. Ms. Bassil attended the conference along with Urban Prod representatives and

partners from Tunisia, Morocco, and Italy.

Check more about the conference and the rest of the project activities on this link:

http://webtrotteurinmed.urbanprod.net/

http://webtrotteurinmed.urbanprod.net/


6. Regional Meeting on Media and Women in Amman

To develop the 1325 Media Toolkit, MAP Founder, President and Executive Director Ms. Vanessa

Bassil, and MAP members Ms. Nour Ghoussaini and Ms. Marcelina Herisson attended a regional

meeting on Media and Women in Amman, Jordan, along with partners from Iraq, Palestine, and

Sweden.

7. Developing the 1325 Toolkit in Sweden

MAP traveled to Sweden between November 16th and November 21st 2015 to further deveop the

1325 media toolkit in collaboration with its international partners. MAP team members were hosted

by the Canadian Embassy and introduced to members of the Swedish Parliament. During the trip,

MAP members also gave a presentation to students and activists at Gothenburg University about

how media is helping to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Lebanon.


8. Media in the Mediterranean Exhibition in Marseille

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, was invited by UNESCO to

Marseille, France to attend the “Media in the Mediterranean” Exhibition organized by Cartooning for

Peace on December 12th 2015.

9. Training with PeaceBag in Barcelona

PeaceBag for EuroMed Youth is a project of the Anna Lindh Foundation coordinated by the Fundació

Catalunya Voluntària which works on enhancing peace education and intercultural dialogue in youth

work. From December 14th till December 20th 2015, MAP members attended a training course in

Barcelona, Spain. Peace activists from more than ten countries came together to learn more about

“Volunteering for Peace.”


E. Media Appearances

Whilst MAP is, fundamentally, a peacebuilding organization, its unique identity lies in its commitment

to media as a core tool for peacebuilding. It is always a pleasure to work with media outlets in order

to share the concept of Peace Journalism.

Featured on Al-Jazeera MAP was featured on Al-Jazeera on December 19th 2015. Ms. Vanessa Bassil’s journey in creating

MAP was shown on the “My Story” show.


Thanks to the many local and international media outlets who have featured MAP’s activities:


2. Celebrating the International Day of Women with Mariam TV In celebration of the International Day of Women, Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and

Executive Director of MAP, was interviewed by Mariam TV on March 8th 2015. The segment discussed

the founding and leadership of MAP and how young women can become agents of change in their

communities.

3. Discussing Environmental Peace Journalism on Nour Al Shabab

MAP team member Ms. Nour Ghoussaini was interviewed by the local TV Nour Al Shabab on May

25th 2015 to discuss MAP’s Environmental Peace Journalism Training Retreat. During the interview,

Ms. Ghoussaini stressed on the importance of applying Peace Journalism techniques when reporting

environmental topics.


4. Promoting Environmental Media on "Akhdar, Mish Yebes"

Ms. Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, was hosted by the MBS Radio

Station within its "Akhdar... Mish Yebes" Program on July 2nd 2015. Ms. Bassil spoke about MAP’s

Media, Peace and Environment Program (MPE) and the importance of environmental media in

Lebanon.

5. Reflecting on the MPE Retreat with Arrisala

Ms. Christina Boutros, Project Coordinator of the Media, Peace and Environment Program (MPE),

was hosted by Arrisala Radio Station to discuss MAP’s environmental peace journalism program.

During the interview, Ms. Boutros explained the intersections between nature, peace, and the media

and reflected on MAP’s Training Retreat and Public Discussion.


F. MAP TEAM MAP believes that young people are powerful change instigators and strategic actors in

peacebuilding. MAP’s Volunteer and Internship Program (VIP) offers Lebanese and international

students opportunities for professional development. Working with MAP develops skills and

capacities in research, journalism, public speaking, event management and organizational

administration. By the time our VIPs finish their volunteering or internship with us, they will have

become fully equipped to be active agents of peace in their future careers.

1. Boosting International Volunteerism After a long application process, MAP received accreditation from the European Voluntary Service

(EVS), thus giving MAP members increased opportunities to volunteer with European organizations.

This exchange being a two-way one, MAP welcomed its first International volunteer Julien Wehbe in

fall 2015. Coming from France, Julien spent six months living in Beirut and assisted MAP with

communication and administrative matters.

2. Recruiting New Peace Journalists MAP also regularly visits Lebanese universities, and attends conferences and forums to spread the

concept of Peace Journalism and encourage young professionals to apply it within their work. Sharing

knowledge and raising awareness about the role that media can play in peacebuilding is central to

MAP’s identity. By working with youth, MAP hopes to grow the peace journalism community locally

and globally in order to change cultures and societies.

3. Exhibiting at BAU’s NGO Fair

MAP was given a booth at Beirut Arab University’s Fourth

Annual NGO Fair on May 8 2015.


4. Promoting Peace Journalism at NDU MAP was given a booth at Notre Dame University – Louaize’s 2015 NGO Fair held on June 3rd and 4th

2015. Many popular faces stopped by MAP’s booth to learn more about the organization’s mission,

including British Ambassador Mr. Tom Fletcher and Mrs. Lama Salam, the wife of Lebanon’s Prime

Minister Tammam Salam.

5. Networking at AUB’s NGO Exhibition MAP was given a booth at the American University of Beirut’s NGO Exhibition on 29th and 30th April

2015. MAP was one the few media-related organizations attending the event and attracted a great

deal of student attention. MAP members attended the two-day forum to share the organization’s

vision and mission. The team also took the opportunity to network with other participating

associations, learning more about like-minded NGOs around the country. More than thirty students

applied for MAP’s Volunteer and Internship Program (VIP) and fifty attendees signed up for MAP’s

monthly newsletter.


6. Speaking at NDU MAP members Anna Maria Daou and Julien Wehbe visited Notre Dame University – Louaize to

introduce the concept of Peace Journalism to students and to invite them to the Fifth Annual Peace

Journalism Workshop on November 19th 2015.

7. Meet the Team MAP relies primarily on the hard work and commitment of volunteers. Thanks to all those who have

dedicated their time, energy and skills to spread and advocate for Peace Journalism in Lebanon and

around the world.


Get to know our 2015 Team Members:

Hind Abboud is studying Journalism and Translation at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

Aya Amkieh is studying Journalism at the American University of Science and Technology.


Vanessa Bassil, Founder, President and Executive Director of MAP, holds a BA in Journalism as well as

a BA in Political and Administrative Sciences, in addition to a post-graduate certificate in Information

and Communication Sciences from the Lebanese University. She is also the first Lebanese to get a

Master’s degree in Media, Peace and Conflict studies from the United Nations Mandated University

for Peace in Costa Rica.

Nada Ben Jemaa is studying Business Administration at the American University of Beirut as a

US-MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar from Tunisia.


Christina Boutros is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Information and Communication Sciences at the

Lebanese University.

Anna Maria Daou studied Journalism and Modern Languages at Notre Dame University - Louaize and

Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

Nour Ghoussaini is studying Journalism at the American University of Science and Technology.


Hadeel Hassan is studying Business Administration and Public Administration at the American

University of Beirut as a US-MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar from Yemen.

Marcelina Herisson is studying Journalism at the American University of Science and Technology.

Nour Karameh is studying Law at Université La Sagesse.


Ruby Naif is studying Media and Communication at the American University of Beirut.

Nada Qabili is studying Public Administration and Sociology at the American University of Beirut as a

US-MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar from Yemen.

Bshara Sameh is studying Chemical Engineering at the American University of Beirut.


Shams Shamsan is studying Business and Accounting at the Lebanese American University.

Julien Wehbe studied International Business at the University of Nice in France before joining MAP as

its first international volunteer.

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