IMCTC Launches “Peace Journalists” Programme to Build Media Capacity and Promote Moderation

Malé, 6 October 2025 – The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism 

Coalition (IMCTC) launched on Monday in the Maldivian 

capital, Malé, the agenda of the training programme titled 

“Analysis of Extremist Discourse, Hate Speech in Digital Media: 

Smart Countering Tools and Technologies.” 

The programme brings together thirty trainees from the Republic of Maldives,  representing various media and academic institutions, as part  of a series of strategic media initiatives implemented by 

IMCTC, which comprises 43 member states including Malaysia,  to build the capabilities of media professionals and sharpen  their skills in countering extremism while promoting the values  of moderation and tolerance.

The launch of the programme was attended by Her Excellency 

Fathmath Mizna Ali, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic  of Maldives, along with several civilian and military official. The programme is intended to enable journalists and media 

professionals to analyse digital content, understand the nature 

of extremist discourse and hate speech in digital environments, 

and address it using smart, professional methods. These 

include conducting thorough content analysis, tracking the 

sources of misinformation, and utilising modern digital 

verification tools. 

The programme also aims to raise awareness  of the psychological and social impacts of extremist discourse  and to enhance participants’ skills in crafting responsible,  analytical reports that contribute to improving the quality of media discourse and directing it towards serving intellectual 

and societal security.

The training programme focuses on several interconnected 

themes, including understanding the nature of extremist and 

hate speech and analysing its structure and motives. It also 

examines the technical and digital tools used in analysing 

speech across media platforms, along with smart countering 

techniques and best practices in mitigating the spread of hate 

speech through digital media, including awareness-raising 

campaigns and impactful media initiatives.

In her speech during the launch of the “Peace Journalists” 

programme, Her Excellency Fathmath Mizna Ali, Deputy 

Minister of Defence of the Republic of Maldives, stressed that 

the programme is a testament to the fruitful cooperation 

between IMCTC and the National Counter Terrorism Centre. 

She also commended the support of the Kingdom of Saudi 

Arabia in further building capabilities and addressing 

extremism.

Her Excellency went on to add that the programme aims to 

broaden the role of the media in countering hate speech and 

promoting a culture of peace, and she emphasised that 

accuracy and verification of news are true Islamic values. She 

concluded her speech by appreciating IMCTC’s efforts in 

supporting institutions and building societies that reject 

extremism and hatred.

The programme targets media professionals, journalists, 

academics, and civil sector personnel, with the purpose of 

enhancing their professional capabilities to address the 

challenges of digital radicalisation and to foster a positive 

media discourse based on professionalism and social 

responsibility.

The implementation of this programme falls within the 

communications strategic initiatives launched by IMCTC as part  of its ongoing efforts to build capacities and strengthen 

partnerships with member states in the fields of media, 

awareness, and education, in fulfilment of IMCTC’s vision of 

uniting intellectual and media efforts to counter terrorism and 

extremism and to promote a culture of peace and coexistence 

among nations.