Peace Advocacy Training Hub (PATH) news from our sessions

This week marked the third session of the Peace Advocacy Training Hub (PATH) with 20 young peacebuilders from Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

Our third session focused on Democratic Reform, Constitution Building & Policy Advocacy, with thanks to Ruwaida Al-Araby for guiding the discussion.

Together, they examined the principles of digital advocacy, practiced using fact-checking tools like Google Reverse Image, TinEye, and InVID, and discussed how to identify and counter misinformation, disinformation, and gendered narratives. Through regional examples, participants reflected on how false or biased content spreads online and how critical media literacy can empower advocates to lead evidence-based, accountable campaigns.

This topic is especially important because:

• In the MENA region, digital spaces have become key battlegrounds for public opinion, where misinformation can fuel polarization, undermine peace efforts, and target women leaders through gendered disinformation.
• According to GIZ and elbarlament research, strengthening media literacy and digital advocacy builds resilience against manipulation and supports inclusive reform and civic participation.
• As the UN underscores, access to accurate information and the ability to discern truth online are essential foundations for peacebuilding, democratic governance, and social cohesion.

We are grateful for the openness and commitment the participants brought to this first step of the journey!