Under the patronage of the Minister of Information, Engineer Ziad Makary, and the Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research, Dr. Tamara Elzein, Al Maaref University's Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts (MCFA) launched the Second International Conference on Digital Journalism and Innovative Media Industry through its “Media Industry Development and Innovation Lab (MIDIL)”. The conference is part of the "Beirut, Capital of Arab Media 2023" activities and was held both on campus and remotely via Zoom.

Over 25 experts from academic and professional institutions at local, regional, and international levels participated in the conference. Attendees included media directors, academics, students, and those interested in media and digital affairs, as well as members of the University Council and administrative and academic staff.

Minister Makary

After the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an and the playing of the Lebanese national anthem, Minister of Information Ziad Makary extended greetings to researchers, academics, and participating local, Arab, and international institutions via video. He stated, "The conference aims to enhance fields of scientific research and journalism while developing both the public and private sectors of the media." Makary emphasized that the ministry's sponsorship of this conference is part of its policy to support scientific conferences and promote academic and innovative intellectual and cultural publications. He affirmed, "All media and research efforts are dedicated to serving humanity and building Arab empowerment, underscoring Beirut's leading role in both the scientific and professional realms."

The Minister of Information pointed out that the ministry "is putting all its resources in the service of scientific publishing and working towards making the Directorate of Studies an active partner in the upcoming scientific developments, as well as in the development of official media and Lebanese television, specifically digitizing archives and digitizing platforms for the Ministry of Information."

Dr. Tamara Elzein

Dr. Tamara Elzein, on her part, emphasized that "a wise approach to the scientific challenges we face, such as climate disruptions, pandemics, disruptive technologies, and the transformations of humanity as a whole, begins when we have a better understanding of them rather than turning our backs on them." She touched upon global and local scientific communication, considering that it has not yet effectively contributed to bridging the gap between society and science. Dr. Elzein stressed the need for innovative and diverse means that resonate with the era and its requirements.

The Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research also pointed out that "science cannot remain the exclusive domain of its producers. Science should not be elitist and confined within the walls of universities and research centers. It is not permissible to disregard the importance of scientific education, and it should be given the deserved status as one of the priorities of the scientific environment". She affirmed that scientific education is a collective responsibility for everyone to engage in its trajectory.

Professor Ali Alaeddine

The university president, Professor Ali Alaeddine, pointed out that "the conference comes at a critical juncture in the major stages that our country, region, and the world are going through." He specifically highlighted the genocidal war on Gaza, its impact on children and women, as well as the escalating Israeli attacks on our beloved and resistant homeland, Lebanon. These events unfold under the watch of what is referred to as the "free world," despite its consent and the distortion of its media to the truth. Alaeddine extended greetings to the martyrs of knowledge and media, as well as to all the martyrs of Palestine and Lebanon, who defended the land and shaped the future of pride for generations and the nation.

Prof. Alaeddine shed light on "the second strategic plan of the university, approved until 2027, which has developed its administrative and academic structure." He affirmed that this international conference in the field of media studies serves as "an indicator of the continuity of scientific and research activity, pushing it forward despite all local and regional challenges and obstacles." These challenges, he emphasized, serve as a catalyst for accelerating the scientific and academic development cycle.

MU president urged the continuation of support for scientific production, "a decision endorsed by MU and stands in contrast to the course of events the country is going through, but it is a methodical and scientific approach." He added, "The more crises intensify, the more we adhere to supporting scientific and research activities."

Dr. Ali El-Takach

Next, Dr. Ali El-Takach, the dean of the faculty, delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome to the attendees and expressing appreciation to local and international partners for their outstanding efforts in preparing for the conference. Dr. El-Takach emphasized that this conference marks the fourth scientific event organized by the “Media Industry Development and Innovation Lab (MIDIL)” at MCFA. 

Dr. El-Takach announced, "The faculty has proactively dealt with the diverse media changes we face every day. It has developed educational content and addressed various challenges related to newsrooms, fieldwork, free media production, digitization, and artificial intelligence." He further highlighted that the conference and the “Media Industry Development Lab” are "foundational pillars in shaping a range of diplomas and postgraduate programs. They play a crucial role in various academic activities, contributing to the design of master's programs, enhancing theoretical and professional skills for graduates, and fostering improved employment opportunities and professional development."

The Dean concluded his speech by thanking colleagues in the lab, the Faculty Council, and everyone who contributed to organizing the conference.

Dr. Hatem El-Zein

Conference coordinator, Dr. Hatem El-Zein, highlighted that this year's focus is on "the core theme of original digital identity in the contemporary media landscape," following last year's emphasis on the fourth digital authority as a secondary identity with a virtual fingerprint. He discussed the faculty's initiative four years ago to establish the “Media Industry Development and Innovation Lab”, serving as a nurturing hub for media research and conferences, especially in connection with postgraduate studies, to anticipate changes, transformations, and the imperative to keep up with emerging developments.

The conference coordinator announced that "the number of accepted executive summaries reached thirty-six, while the submitted research papers totaled fourteen." He noted that these papers "will be peer-reviewed based on internationally recognized research evaluation criteria." 

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