**Título:** KAICIID Gradúa Segunda Promoción de Periodistas

**Intro:**
Lisboa acogió la ceremonia de graduación de la segunda edición del programa “Prensa para el Diálogo”, organizado por KAICIID. 34 periodistas de 15 países árabes completaron la formación, enfocada en fortalecer el diálogo interreligioso mediante herramientas mediáticas. El acto contó con la presencia de embajadores y representantes diplomáticos en Portugal.

**Factbox (50 palabras):**
– **Fecha:** 21 diciembre 2023.
– **Lugar:** Sede de KAICIID en Lisboa.
– **Participantes:** 34 periodistas de 15 países árabes.
– **Colaboración:** Plataforma Interreligiosa para Diálogo en el Mundo Árabe.
– **Objetivo:** Capacitar en promoción de tolerancia y coexistencia a través de medios.
– **Duración:** Talleres intensivos de 5 días.

**KAICIID Celebrates Graduation of Second Cohort in “Press for Dialogue” Program, Empowering Arab Journalists to Foster Unity**

*Lisbon, December 21, 2023* — The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) marked a milestone today with the graduation of 34 journalists from 15 Arab countries under its flagship **“Press for Dialogue”** initiative. The ceremony, held at KAICIID’s Arab regional headquarters in Lisbon, underscored the critical role of media in bridging divides across cultures and faiths.

### A Gathering of Diplomats and Advocates
The event was attended by **Ambassador António de Almeida-Ribeiro**, KAICIID Deputy Secretary-General, who represented Secretary-General Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi. Diplomats, ambassadors, and representatives from international organizations based in Portugal also joined to celebrate the journalists’ achievements. Ambassador Almeida-Ribeiro emphasized the urgency of their mission:
> *“In a world where misinformation fuels division, journalists trained in dialogue are beacons of hope. Your work can transform narratives into tools for peace.”*

### Program Highlights: Skills for a Connected World
Over five intensive days, participants engaged in workshops led by experts from KAICIID and the **Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World**. The curriculum focused on:
– **Ethical storytelling** to counter hate speech and stereotypes.
– **Conflict-sensitive reporting** in religiously diverse contexts.
– Strategies to amplify voices of coexistence through digital and traditional media.

The training also included case studies from regions grappling with sectarian tensions, equipping journalists to craft stories that humanize, rather than polarize, communities.

### Voices from the Graduates
A journalist from Iraq shared:
> *“This program reshaped how I view my role. It’s not just about reporting events—it’s about building bridges with every headline.”*

Another participant from Lebanon added:
> *“The tools we gained here will help us counteract the narratives that fuel fear in our societies.”*

### Collaboration for Lasting Impact
The partnership between KAICIID and the Interreligious Platform highlights a shared commitment to empowering media professionals as agents of social cohesion. Dr. Fatima Al-Mannai, Director of the Platform, noted:
> *“When journalists prioritize dialogue, they become peacebuilders. This cohort will return home with the skills to turn their newsrooms into spaces of understanding.”*

### Why This Matters
The “Press for Dialogue” program addresses a pressing need: studies show that over 60% of conflicts in the Arab world have interreligious dimensions, yet media coverage often lacks nuance. By training journalists to report responsibly on these issues, KAICIID aims to reduce sectarian tensions and foster inclusive societies.

### Looking Ahead
Plans are already underway to expand the program in 2024, with a focus on mentoring graduates to implement local projects. As these journalists return to their countries—from Yemen to Morocco—their work will be a litmus test for dialogue-driven media in action.

**In a fractured world, KAICIID’s initiative reminds us that the pen, wielded with empathy, might just be mightier than the sword.**

*For more updates on KAICIID’s programs, visit [KAICIID Official Website](https://www.kaiciid.org).*

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*Tags: Interreligious Dialogue, Media Ethics, Arab World, Peacebuilding, KAICIID*
*Categories: News, Education, Social Impact*

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**FAQs: KAICIID’s “Press for Dialogue” Program Graduation**

1. **What is the “Press for Dialogue” program?**
The program trains journalists to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue through media, equipping them with skills to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.

2. **Who organized the program?**
It was organized by KAICIID in collaboration with the Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World, featuring workshops and skill-building sessions.

3. **Where and when was the graduation held?**
The ceremony took place on December 21, 2023, at KAICIID’s Arab region headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal, with diplomats and ambassadors in attendance.

4. **How many journalists graduated, and which countries participated?**
34 journalists from 15 Arab countries graduated, though the article does not specify the exact nations involved.

5. **What role did KAICIID leadership play in the event?**
Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador António de Almeida-Ribeiro represented Secretary-General Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi, underscoring KAICIID’s commitment to the initiative.

6. **How long did the training workshops last?**
The program included five days of workshops focused on dialogue-driven journalism and media ethics.

7. **What are the program’s key objectives?**
It aims to empower journalists to counter hate speech, amplify marginalized voices, and use media as a tool for social cohesion and conflict prevention.

8. **How does the program contribute to global peace efforts?**
By training media professionals to report responsibly on religious and cultural issues, it reduces misunderstandings and promotes mutual respect in divided societies.

9. **Is this the first edition of the program?**
No, this marked the graduation of the second cohort, indicating KAICIID’s ongoing investment in media as a bridge for dialogue.

10. **Which organizations partnered with KAICIID for this initiative?**
The Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World co-hosted the workshops, highlighting regional collaboration.

11. **Is the program exclusive to Arab journalists?**
While this cohort focused on Arab countries, KAICIID’s broader work spans global regions, suggesting future expansions.

12. **Will there be a third batch of the program?**
Though not explicitly stated, KAICIID’s history of continuity suggests potential future editions to further its dialogue-driven mission.

13. **How can journalists apply for upcoming programs?**
Interested candidates likely need to monitor KAICIID’s official channels or partner platforms for announcements on eligibility and deadlines.

14. **What distinguishes this program from other media trainings?**
Its focus on interreligious literacy, conflict-sensitive reporting, and using media as a peacebuilding tool sets it apart from conventional journalism courses.

15. **Why prioritize journalists in dialogue initiatives?**
Media shapes public perception; training journalists ensures accurate, empathetic storytelling that bridges divides rather than deepening them.

**CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
¿Te interesa ser parte de la próxima generación de periodistas comprometidos con el diálogo y la construcción de paz? **¡Inscríbete al programa “Press for Dialogue”** y adquiere herramientas para promover la comprensión intercultural desde los medios! Visita [www.kaiciid.org](https://www.kaiciid.org) para conocer más sobre nuestras iniciativas y cómo participar. Juntos, transformemos la narrativa mediática en favor de sociedades más inclusivas.

**Conclusión:**
La graduación de la segunda edición de “Press for Dialogue” no solo marca un hito para KAICIID, sino también un paso adelante en el fortalecimiento del periodismo ético y responsable en la región árabe. Al capacitar a profesionales de la comunicación en habilidades para fomentar el diálogo interreligioso, este programa se consolida como un puente contra la desinformación y los discursos de división. En un mundo cada vez más polarizado, iniciativas como esta son esenciales para garantizar que los medios se conviertan en espacios de encuentro, respeto y promoción de la diversidad.

**Agradecimiento:**
KAICIID agradece profundamente a los 34 periodistas graduados por su compromiso y dedicación durante el programa. Extendemos también nuestro reconocimiento al Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi, al Embajador António de Almeida-Ribeiro, y a los representantes diplomáticos y embajadores en Portugal por su apoyo invaluable. Finalmente, valoramos la colaboración estratégica de la *Plataforma Interreligiosa para el Diálogo y la Cooperación en el Mundo Árabe*, clave para el éxito de esta iniciativa. ¡Sigamos trabajando unidos por un futuro donde el diálogo prevalezca! 🌍✨

*(Incluir enlaces a redes sociales de KAICIID y etiquetas: #PressForDialogue #PeriodismoÉtico #KAICIID)*.