In a landmark recognition of journalistic integrity, the Palestinian News Agency WAFA was awarded the inaugural Media Professionalism Prize by the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA).
The award ceremony took place during the Ramadan Forum in Jeddah, commemorating two years since the endorsement of the “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” document.
The honor was conferred by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, alongside UNA Director General Mohammed bin Abdulrab Al-Yami. Ambassador Hadi Shalabi received the award on behalf of WAFA in his capacity as Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The award stems from the “Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility,” adopted at a high-level international forum addressing misinformation, bias, and the media’s role in fueling hatred and violence.
Designed as a benchmark for ethical reporting, the charter outlines guiding principles for responsible media conduct and reinforces the importance of professionalism within OIC member states.
The Media Professionalism Prize aims to encourage institutions and individuals to uphold journalistic integrity, combat misinformation, and promote balanced narratives in the global media landscape.
