The event focused on the growing role of journalism in shaping public perception and encouraging constructive responses to conflict and social division.
Three journalists who contributed to Volume 4 of the Journal HWPL Peace Journalism Studies presented research highlighting the need for media coverage that not only reports problems but also explores pathways toward peace and reconciliation.
Achmad Yani of In depth news Indonesia presented findings on international media coverage of the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. According to his study, nearly 64 percent of reports focused on military clashes and political tensions, while the suffering of over 200,000 displaced civilians received little attention.
He stressed that media narratives strongly influence public understanding of conflicts and called for victim-centred reporting that includes peaceful solutions.
Another speaker, Ida Yusnita of mediabanjarmasin.com described peace as more than the absence of war, saying it must be built on justice, equality, and security.
She urged governments, civil society, and the media to work together through fair governance, tolerance, education, anti-discrimination policies, and responsible journalism to protect human rights and sustain peace.
Further, José Nicolás Arroyo Ramos warned against “discursive violence,” where divisive and emotionally charged communication fuels hostility and polarisation, especially in the digital era.
He advocated for peace journalism that examines root causes of conflict, includes diverse perspectives, and promotes constructive solutions rather than sensationalism.
Participants also engaged in breakout discussions on inspiring news coverage and the importance of positive narratives in conflict reporting.
The workshop further introduced the Media Association for Global Peace (MAGP), a global network linking journalists and NGOs to strengthen international cooperation in peace journalism.
Organisers said the event reaffirmed that the media are “key actors in shaping public perception and building peace.”
