An international workshop on peace journalism brought together about 220 journalists to examine how solutions-focused reporting can address rising news avoidance and support conflict resolution.
In an era when credible reporting is often overshadowed by propaganda, sensationalism, and social media misinformation, the online event organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) on April 18 served as a timely and much-needed intervention.
The theme of the event was Reporting Solutions in the Age of News Avoidance: Strengthening Audience Agency through Media-Civil Peace Collaboration.
Speakers shared their thoughts at the event and said journalism must move beyond event-driven coverage to offer pathways for peace and public engagement. Parveen Chorpra, founder and editor of A Lotus In The Mud, was invited to participate and engage in the breakout session. He said he prays for the end of conflict in the Middle East.
Indonesian journalist Achmad Yani, presenting research on the Thailand–Cambodia conflict, said media reporting shapes public perception. He said that according to an analysis of 19 global news articles, about 64% of them focused on military clashes and political tensions, with limited attention to more than 200,000 displaced civilians.
Amid escalating conflicts across parts of Asia and the Middle East, he called for more victim-centered reporting and greater focus on peaceful solutions.
Participants also discussed hope-driven narratives in breakout sessions.
Ms Ida Yusnita, a journalist from mediabanjarmasin.com, Indonesia, defined peace not merely as the absence of war, but as a condition grounded in security, equality, and justice, requiring collective responsibility.
She outlined the roles of the state, society, and the media in achieving peace, emphasizing fair governance, social tolerance, and responsible reporting. She also stressed that peace and human rights are inseparable, calling for practical efforts such as tolerance education, anti-discrimination policies, and strengthening independent media.
José Nicolás Arroyo Ramos, a journalist, lawyer and professor from the Dominican Republic, warned that emotionally driven and unverified content can deepen polarization. He described “discursive violence” as communication that amplifies division and called for reporting that explores root causes and presents constructive solutions.
The workshop also introduced the Media and Global Peace Platform (MAGP), a Substack-based global network connecting journalists and NGOs across borders. The platform is expected to support the global expansion of peace journalism.
The organizers concluded, “This workshop reaffirmed that the media are not merely conveyors of information, but key actors in shaping public perception and building peace.” They added, “We will continue to expand global cooperation and practice in peace journalism through strengthened international networks.”
Contact in New York: hwpl.nybranch@gmail.com
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