ARIJ 18th Annual Forum: Rise to the Challenge for Investigative Journalism

From 5–7 December 2025, the 18^th ARIJ Annual Forum (ARIJ25) convened journalists, media leaders, researchers and civil society actors from around the world to discuss the future of investigative journalism and the resilience of independent media. Organised by Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), the forum has become one of the most influential gatherings for investigative reporters and media innovators working across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.

Held under the theme “Rise to the Challenge,” ARIJ25 reflected the growing need for journalists and media organisations to respond to evolving pressures on press freedom, technological disruption and the changing information environment. With the support of more than 30 international partners, the forum attracted over 900 in-person participants and more than 1,600 online attendees from around 50 countries. Women represented a significant share of participants, accounting for 56% of in-person attendees and 47% of virtual participants. Over the course of three days, 75 Arabic- and English-speaking speakers (47% women) led 70 sessions and activities covering topics such as investigative techniques, newsroom leadership, digital security, data journalism and media sustainability. To ensure accessibility and inclusion, sessions were delivered in both Arabic and English, with live interpretation and sign-language support available throughout the programme.

One of the forum’s notable discussions was the panel “Eyes on the Press: Doing Journalism in the Age of Surveillance” organised in partnership with BBC Media Action. Moderated by media development advisor Valeria Perasso, the panel explored how surveillance technologies are increasingly used to suppress investigative journalism and undermine press freedom. Journalists and experts shared real-world experiences and practical strategies for protecting reporters and maintaining high-quality journalism in challenging environments. Here you can watch it in (Arabic and English).

The “BRAVE”, led by BBC Media Action and implemented through a consortium of international media development partners, proudly supported ARIJ25 as one of the forum’s sponsors. The programme’s contribution helped facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and peer learning among journalists from diverse contexts, while also highlighting the importance of international collaboration in strengthening independent media ecosystems. The forum also provided visibility for the BRAVE programme through ARIJ’s communications channels and social media platforms. 

Events such as the ARIJ Forum play a critical role in fostering cross-border collaboration and enabling journalists to share innovative approaches for producing impactful investigative reporting in complex political and technological environments. To join the ARIJ Dec 2026 forum, register here. 

For more information about the forum’s sessions, speakers, and agenda, check the  Forum’s interactive report::
🔗 https://arij23.shorthandstories.com/arij25-report/index.html