IMCTC Launches “Peace Journalists” Programme in Maldives to Strengthen Media Role Against Extremism and Hate Speech
Malé, 6 October: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has launched a new training initiative titled “Analysis of Extremist Discourse, Hate Speech in Digital Media: Smart Countering Tools and Technologies” under its “Peace Journalists” program in the Maldivian capital, Malé.
The program aims to empower journalists, academics, and media professionals with advanced skills to identify, analyze, and counter extremist narratives and hate speech across digital platforms. Thirty participants from various Maldivian media and academic institutions are taking part in the training, which forms part of IMCTC’s broader strategy to build professional media capacity and promote moderation and tolerance among its 43 member states, including Malaysia.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of Her Excellency Fathmath Mizna Ali, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Maldives, alongside senior civilian and military officials.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Fathmath Mizna Ali highlighted the importance of the program as a “reflection of strong collaboration between IMCTC and the Maldives’ National Counter Terrorism Centre.” She praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support in strengthening regional capabilities to confront extremism.
She further emphasized that media accuracy, verification, and integrity are core Islamic values and urged journalists to play a proactive role in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence. She commended IMCTC’s ongoing commitment to supporting institutions and fostering societies that reject violence and hatred.
The training covers key areas such as understanding and analyzing extremist discourse and hate speech. Using modern digital tools for tracking and verifying online content. Employing smart countering techniques to curb misinformation and extremist propaganda. Designing impactful awareness campaigns and responsible media narratives.
By integrating psychological and social dimensions of radicalization, the program seeks to enhance participants’ ability to produce ethical, evidence-based journalism that strengthens social cohesion and contributes to intellectual and societal security.
The “Peace Journalists” program is part of IMCTC’s ongoing communications strategy to build partnerships and develop human capital across member states in the fields of media, awareness, and education.
Through initiatives like this, IMCTC continues to advance its mission of uniting global media and intellectual efforts to combat terrorism and extremism while promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and moderation.