Under the title "Prospects and Guarantees of Journalistic Work in Iraq," the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue hosted a panel discussion featuring Moaid Al-Lami, President of the Federation of Arab Journalists and Head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate. The event was attended by members of the Syndicate’s Board, the administrative committee of its local governorate branch, and a gathering of academics, journalists, media practitioners, and interested figures in Karbala.
The symposium falls within Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue’s efforts to exchange perspectives and formulate effective solutions to modern challenges across political, social, and cultural dimensions. Journalist and Forum Head Ali Al-Talqani opened the session, welcoming the Head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate and the session moderator, Dr. Wathiq Al-Hashimi, President of the Iraqi Group for Strategic Studies.
Al-Talqani stated that hosting this event is part of the Forum’s monthly program, which brings together decision-makers from Iraqi authorities with academic and media elites to exchange views and address national issues. He emphasized the role of journalism and media in supporting the democratic and political process and bringing citizens' voices and struggles to decision-makers. For his part, session moderator Dr. Al-Hashimi noted that under Al-Lami’s leadership, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate has secured numerous achievements for journalists locally and regionally since 2003, unprecedented since its founding.
Opening his address, the Syndicate Head noted that the organization has exerted significant efforts to shift stereotyped perceptions of Iraq abroad, affirming that the country's image has improved and foreign media sentiment toward Iraq has undergone a clear shift. Regarding guarantees for journalistic work, Al-Lami stated: "We face potential incidents at any moment, but we have managed to secure journalists' rights within legal provisions."
Addressing professionalism and neutrality in the media, the President of the Federation of Arab Journalists affirmed that "there is no purely neutral journalism, nor is there complete independence; rather, there is professionalism," stressing that absolute independence is non-existent, a reality true of media organizations worldwide. He added that the media is one of the most prominent products of democracy, placing a responsibility on those working within it to be at the forefront.
The symposium featured discussions and contributions from journalists, media figures, and academics regarding the primary problems and obstacles facing professionals in the press and media sectors, as well as the Syndicate's role in addressing them and identifying their root causes. At the conclusion of the event, Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue presented an honorary shield of appreciation to Moaid Al-Lami, Head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, in recognition of his participation and contributions.