Georgios Karagiorgos, a researcher at the Peace Journalism Lab of the Department of Journalism and Mass Media of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), represented Greece as the first Greek participant in the Regional Academy on the United Nations (RAUN).
This year’s RAUN theme is directly linked to the “Pact for the Future”, a new international agreement that will be presented at the Summit for the Future at the United Nations in September 2024. This Pact aims to strengthen international cooperation on key global issues, such as sustainable development, digital governance, peace, security, and transparency.
The Research Project: A Public Interest Framework for Media and Information Security and Democracy
Mr. Karagiorgos is participating in Research Project 10 of RAUN, titled “A Public Interest Framework for the Future of Media and Information for Democracy and Security,” under the guidance of Deniz Wagner from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The research focuses on exploring the relationship between independent media and global security. It examines how independent media can contribute to conflict prevention, democratic resilience, and peacebuilding while also identifying the threats that media face, such as disinformation, censorship, and shrinking civic spaces.
The project aims to develop a new Public Interest Framework for Information that will ensure healthy information ecosystems, strengthen democratic accountability, and support human security.
"In an era where information travels fast and is often distorted, it is crucial to ensure that citizens have access to independent, reliable, and diverse sources of information. This project aims to lay the groundwork for creating a framework that protects media from external interference and promotes democratic participation," said Mr. Karagiorgos.
The First Meeting in Barcelona: International Collaboration and Innovative Ideas
The first meeting of the Academy took place from November 27 to 29, 2024, in Barcelona, with participants from international organizations, academics, and researchers from around the world. During the event, the “Pact for the Future” was presented, and participants discussed ways to contribute to its development.
The meeting included lectures from distinguished personalities, such as:
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Raúl Ramos Lobo, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at the University of Barcelona
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Cecilia Vera Lagomarsino, OSCE representative, who presented the “Safety of Journalists Toolbox”
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Alexis Roig, CEO of SciTech DiploHub, who discussed the role of artificial intelligence in mapping climate risks
Participants also attended workshops on developing research skills, such as the "Research Design and Methods Workshop," and took part in networking and collaboration activities.
“The meeting in Barcelona was a unique opportunity to collaborate with people from different parts of the world. The exchange of ideas in such an international environment provided me with new tools to approach my research work. The Pact for the Future is an ambitious vision that gives us the opportunity to contribute to building a more just and secure world,” said Mr. Karagiorgos.
The Significance of Greek Participation: Strengthening Greece's Presence in International Forums
Mr. Karagiorgos' participation in RAUN marks an important step in strengthening Greece's presence in international academic and political forums. The Peace Journalism Lab of AUTh remains committed to promoting transparency, democracy, and press freedom, contributing actively to the development of policies that advance peacebuilding and human security.
RAUN is a multi-level institution that connects academia with the United Nations and international organizations, aiming to provide innovative solutions to global challenges.
Looking Ahead: Summit for the Future in New York in 2025
The next physical meeting is scheduled to take place at the United Nations Headquarters in July 2025, with participation in the Academy culminating in the presentation of research findings at the Summit for the Future at the United Nations in New York in September 2025.
The research project team, including Mr. Karagiorgos, will contribute to shaping policies that promote media independence, transparency, and democratic accountability in line with the goals of the Pact for the Future.
“The quality of information and access to reliable sources is vital for the functioning of democracy. Through this research, we aim to strengthen international cooperation to protect information ecosystems and uphold democratic values,” concludes Mr. Karagiorgos.
The Future of Peace Journalism: International Cooperation and Innovation
The Peace Journalism Lab of AUTh continues to serve as a pillar of international cooperation and innovation, promoting peace journalism at a global level and contributing to initiatives that enhance democratic resilience and information security.
