The Road to Building an Arab
Fact-Checking Community

"One of the most important developments of this meeting is AFCN efforts on developing work methodologies and exploring alternative ways for those who cannot disclose their funding sources. Additionally, evaluating the initiatives within the network and following up on their work. The complaint policy is a significant step for the network, and the policy was clearly defined. We hope this policy will resolve any potential future disputes."

"The meeting proved to be highly productive, with its most significant outcomes being the strengthening of collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between platforms. The focus on developing technical tools, offering training and awareness programs, and fostering strong partnerships stands out. These factors are pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and impact of fact-checking efforts, ultimately enabling a more organized and robust response to counter media mis/disinformation."

"Engaging with the fact-checkers and exchanging perspectives reaffirmed that our voices are instrumental in shaping AFCN present and future, especially in strengthening its crisis response strategy. The alignment of our concerns highlighted our shared challenges, while the unwavering support from the network and other colleagues in its community fostered a true sense of unity. We aren’t competitors—we’re a collective force, standing together to dismantle misinformation."

"AFCN has had a significant impact, contributing to the continued operation of Algeria Check. It also played a pivotal role in the platform's transformation and development. We would like to highlight the Election Fact-Checking coalition project, which greatly enhanced our platform's presence in the regional arena and brought us closer to other leading Arab experiences in fact-checking."

"AFCN played a significant role in helping to develop the skills of both the veteran and new members of our team through the training sessions and webinars we attended. Additionally, the projects we participated in, which we consider to be strategic initiatives, such as “Go Far, Go Together” and “Election Fact-Checking coalition”, have had a profound impact on the work of our platform."

"The key takeaway from the meeting was the increasing need to integrate AI into the fact-checking process, as it’s no longer a choice but a necessity. It’s crucial to first identify our specific needs that AI should address, and then fully understand the technical and programming mechanisms behind the tools, in order to avoid errors and maximize their effectiveness."

"The meeting was highly productive. I was delighted to be part of it and to absorb all the valuable insights on misinformation and disinformation. One of the most impactful aspects was hearing firsthand the experiences of the fellow fact-checkers and how they navigated the overwhelming wave of false news through their diverse methodologies."

"One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the recommendations that were agreed upon regarding the improvement of the quality of content provided by fact-checking platforms, as well as the establishment of a framework for the criteria based on which claims are tracked, monitored, and decisions about their fact-checking are made."

"The opportunity to gather fact-checkers in one place to communicate and get to know each other better, by allowing the entire community to make interventions and comments for work development, enhances the sense of belonging to the network and that they are part of the AFCN project."

"The key recommendations from the meeting focused on improving transparency in data usage, addressing biases in models, and ensuring human oversight of automated systems. I fully support these recommendations, as they offer a solid foundation to safeguard individual rights and minimize the risks of unethical AI usage."

"For me, gaining insights from the fact-checkers' experiences and perspectives has always been the most valuable source of learning. Time and again, I come away with innovative ideas that I strive to implement with the Akhbar Meter team. One of the most recent examples is the use of tools to humanize the reports on false news."

"The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise freely, which is incredibly beneficial and ensures continuity for organizations that lack such experiences. We’ll strive to share the services we can offer to other platforms, as well as improve communication and collaboration with them."

"The discussion provided valuable insights on securing funding, emphasizing continuous engagement with donors, aligning our work with their priorities, and maintaining strong connections even beyond the funded project’s completion."

"AFCN regional meetings serve as a catalyst for progress, encouraging our platforms to evolve, keep up with the emerging trends, and draw strategic insights from the experiences of other fact-checking initiatives."

"AFCN is moving steadily to build a supportive professional community, not only in terms of relationships and networking, but also in professional development, which is something we even lack in journalists' unions in our countries. Truly, thank you for your efforts."

"The topic being discussed is extremely important and can serve as a solid foundation for opening a space for dialogue between journalists and fact-checkers in the Arab world."

"It was a highly productive discussion. We need more space for the AFCN’s community that operate effectively and contribute meaningfully to combating misinformation."

"I gained more by reaching recommendations that help establish a clear methodology for the fact-checking process."

"What I found most valuable in the meeting was the exchange of ideas and proposals between fact-checkers and university professors."

"We’re in dire need of such meetings and gatherings that move towards a unified effort in combating misinformation."

"The differences in our experiences will provide us with the opportunity to support each other in our methodologies, tools, and skills."

"The available space for discussion was crucial for improving the fact-checkers work".

"With AFCN, we’ll reach a point where we can collaborate instead of competing."

"The meeting fulfilled my expectations regarding the ways of collaboration and networking between the community of journalists and fact-checkers, and how ideas will be produced. Likewise, the in-depth discussions of ideas with the ARIJ team and the editorial board and filtering them, all of this led to a better understanding of the concept of producing investigative reports on disinformation."

"The meeting offered me many alternative solutions for continuity in the platform after I had made the decision to shut it down permanently. I decided to attend the meeting full of frustration and despair regarding continuing, but the meeting sparked hope within me and made me hold on to continuing despite the lack of opportunities to do so."

"The meeting created a space for dialogue between journalists and fact-checkers, exploring possible collaboration opportunities between them, and establishing foundations to start cooperation through investigations that uncover disinformation."

"The meeting opened our eyes to matters we overlook in our daily work, even though they are of utmost importance and deserve focus."

"What distinguishes the network community is mutual support and complementary work; even though each of us is in a different country, we overcome obstacles thanks to the continuous collaboration among members."

"The Arab Fact-Checkers Network meetings always inspire the feeling that the pursuit of truth and creating meaning in this dark space is achievable... The existence of a community that believes in the value of the voice and the truth is the continuous motivation that keeps us resilient despite all challenges."

"This meeting contributed to rearranging priorities... and gave me a sense that our impact multiplies when we meet and think together, transforming our shared ideas into tangible steps that make a difference. We do not face challenges alone, but rather as a united team."