The Dean of the College of Mass Communication at the University of Baghdad, Prof.Dr. Ammar Taher, took part in a meeting organized by the Judicial Development Institute of the Supreme Judicial Council to discuss the implementation mechanisms of the project “Community Communication and Media for Peace,” launched by UNESCO. The initiative aims to promote freedom of expression, regulate digital platforms, and strengthen collaboration between media and security institutions in Iraq.
The meeting was attended by representatives from government, security, and academic institutions, including the Human Rights Commission, the Communications and Media Commission, the Ministry of Interior, and several colleges from the University of Baghdad. Discussions focused on the media’s role in supporting social stability and the importance of regulating social media platforms in ways that safeguard rights and freedoms. The meeting also emphasized the need for digital and media literacy, as well as efforts to counter hate speech and misinformation.
During his remarks, Prof.Dr. Ammar Taher stressed “the importance of integration between media and academic institutions in this project,” noting that “the academic role contributes to establishing scientific foundations for analyzing the impact of digital media on society and producing rigorous studies that support the development of balanced national policies on digital content regulation.”
Participants agreed to form a national task force comprising experts and representatives from government and academic bodies to prepare Iraq’s first international study on the impact of global digital platform policies on the country. They also emphasized the role of the judiciary in providing a legal framework for the initiative to ensure its objectives are met supporting social cohesion and promoting peacebuilding.
This meeting aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which calls for partnerships to achieve the goals.