Beirut, 9 July 2025: In a joint effort to combat disinformation and hate speech in Lebanon, the Ministry of Information in Lebanon, UNESCO, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have officially launched today the national media and information Literacy campaign titled “No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again.” This initiative marks the second component of the broader Strategic Tripartite Partnership announced earlier this year, which aims to promote media and information literacy (MIL) and strengthen public resilience to misinformation.
The campaign is being rolled out across televisions, press and social media platforms, featuring an awareness video to be aired nationally, as well as a series of engaging capsule videos where influential voices share their personal experiences with media and information literacy. Among these voices are Amir Saoud, captain of the Lebanese National Basketball Team and Al Riyadi Club; Yassmina Zeytoun, Miss Lebanon 2022; Rayan Hayek, a young journalist; and Raneem Bou Khzam, news anchor and TV host at LBCI. Their stories, together with candid street interviews capturing everyday citizens’ perspectives, aim to highlight the real impact of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking.
Complementing this media campaign, the partnership includes a targeted capacity-building component designed to strengthen the skills of journalists and reporters at the National News Agency. Through specialized training in fact-checking and video reporting, coupled with the provision of necessary equipment, this effort seeks to empower media professionals to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and accountability.
“In an age where disinformation travels sometimes faster than truth, public communication becomes our most vital tool not just to inform, but to build trust, clarify facts, and safeguard dialogue.” said, H.E Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information in Lebanon
“As information spreads faster than ever, empowering people to think critically and engage responsibly with media is not a luxury, but a necessity. UNESCO is proud to support this national campaign, which puts Media and Information Literacy at the heart of the response to disinformation and hate speech. By working together with the Ministry of Information and OIF, we are helping build a more informed, inclusive, and resilient society in Lebanon”, said Paolo Fontani, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut.
“We are determined to continue our efforts to provide quality information. The OIF is contributing to this campaign, created specifically for the Lebanese public, and will continue its support to the Ministry of Information in combating disinformation, in accordance with its commitment to solidarity and its action plan for Lebanon.” said Lévon Amirjanyan, Représentant de l’OIF pour le Moyen Orient.
“No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again” is not just a campaign—it is a call to action for every Lebanese citizen to pause, question, and think critically before accepting and sharing information.
By strategically partnering together, UNESCO, OIF, and the Ministry of Information intend to substantively contribute to a safer and more informed media landscape in Lebanon.
Watch the campaign launch video: No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again.
1- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMFJRcJs4C2/?igsh=MTVxbW11dGt1ODRiaQ==
2- https://x.com/unescobeirut/status/1944671217190891615?s=46
3- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16Z3HfMmgE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
About UNESCO:
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Ms Audrey Azoulay.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.