ARIJ’s AFCN at GlobalFact12 in Brazil

 

Rio de Janeiro, June 28, 2025

The Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN) from ARIJ, took part in the 12th Global Fact-Checking Summit (#GlobalFact12), organized by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summit brought together over 300 fact-checkers and fact-checking organizations from across the globe.

GlobalFact12 covered a wide range of critical topics related to fact-checking, including the regulation of social media platforms and their impact on information integrity and democracy. It also addressed sensitive issues such as protecting fact-checkers from cyberattacks and ensuring the sustainability of fact-checking organizations, especially amid changing policies by social media platforms. The event featured discussions on the use of AI in fact-checking, along with debates on technical challenges and future opportunities.

In the opening remarks, IFCN Director Angie Holan stated: “The future of informed democracy rests on our ability to evolve methods while holding firm to values. We must develop engaging approaches to fact-checking that draw people in. We must seize opportunities to make truth compelling and accessible. And we must move beyond defensive rhetoric to emphasize our true purpose: supporting the public and promoting human knowledge”.

 

ARIJ’s participation included a panel contribution by AFCN Manager Saja Mortada, titled “We Are Not Alone – Crisis Management Through Alliance Building.” She emphasized the importance of collaborative work among fact-checking actors, especially during political, health, and environmental crises, which often see a surge in misinformation. Drawing on AFCN’s experience in the Arab world, Mortada discussed how regional and international alliances can enhance fact-checkers’ ability to respond swiftly and effectively to disinformation.

 

Mortada also conducted a specialized training titled “Enhancing Audience Engagement with Fact-Checking Content Using AI”. The session focused on AI tools and techniques to increase the reach and interaction with fact-checking reports—through content automation, audience-specific customization, data analysis tools, and search engine optimization strategies.

 

On the sidelines of the summit, Mortada held several meetings with fact-checkers from the AFCN community and from around the world, as well as with network partners. The aim was to strengthen international partnerships, share expertise, and develop sustainable cooperation mechanisms to address common challenges, particularly in light of social media companies scaling back their support for fact-checking in early 2025 and the increasing threat of AI-driven disinformation.

 

 

At the conference’s conclusion, the IFCN honored four fact-checking organizations for their excellence in the field as part of the 2025 Global Fact-Checking Awards. The winners were:

Fact Chequeado (Spanish-language fact-checking outlet in the U.S.)

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Aos Fatos (Brazil)

Tempo (Indonesia)

 

From the AFCN community attended the conference in person: Dina Ibrahim from Akhbar Meter in Egypt , Baker Abdel Haq from Tahaqqaq, Anas Hawari from Tayqan and Riham Abu Aitah from Kashif in Palestine, and Rabeb Aloui from BN Check in Tunisia.

GlobalFact is the world’s largest annual gathering of the fact-checking community. It is organized by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), part of the Poynter Institute. This year’s in-person event drew over 300 attendees from around the world.