Launch of the Qarib Project: France Pledges to Support Lebanese Media Outlets in the Face of Crises

The Qarib project received 10 million euros in financing from France through AFD over a 5-year period, and is implemented by CFI – the French media development agency – in Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories and Iraq. This project aims to support content production that reflects people’s concerns, promote media education and anti-disinformation actions, support the development of independent media business models, and encourage public debate on the role of journalists in society.

In her opening speech, the Ambassador of France to Lebanon, Mrs. Anne Grillo, underlined France’s commitment to the development of free, reliable, and quality media: “Journalists are key players for development and democratic life. Through their investigative work, by shedding light on citizen initiatives and concerns, as well as by promoting public debate, they encourage greater transparency and accountability, particularly from public authorities. Today more than ever, the media are vectors of social cohesion, by fighting against disinformation that creates tensions between communities.”

CFI’s CEO, Mr. Thierry Vallat, stated that Lebanon was the region’s country in which CFI had launched the most projects due to the dynamism and diversity of its media, and to the exemplary role they play at the national level and across the region. He praised the quality of CFI’s numerous media partners in Lebanon, thanks to which several large-scale events bringing together media representatives from all over the Arab world were organized in Beirut. He emphasized the meaning of the word Qarib ("proximity") which sums up the philosophy of this project intended above all to support the development of local information. He finally recalled that CFI was one of the first international entities to provide support to the Lebanese media outlets and journalists affected by the August 4, 2020 tragedy by contributing to the Samir Kassir Foundation’s Media Recovery Fund.

This round table was moderated by Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director of the Samir Kassir Foundation - SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom, and brought together Alia Ibrahim, senior reporter and co-founder of Daraj media; Amanda Abou Abdallah, founder of the Khateera platform; Roula Mikhael, founder and director of the Maharat Foundation; and Riad Kobaissi, head of investigations at Al Jadeed TV. The panelists addressed several issues ranging from the importance of investigative journalism and public debate in times of crisis, to fighting “fake news” and finding viable business models.

The interactive discussion included exchanges with the audience made up of journalists, civil society representatives, and development and cultural cooperation professionals. The event was broadcast live on SKeyes, CFI and Institut français du Liban’s social media platforms.

Press Contact: Lara Fahs, Regional Communications Manager, AFD