The first international conference, "Safeguarding Journalists: Mapping the Field – Ensuring Safety in the Field," was successfully held on September 21-22 at the Tellogleio Art Foundation of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh). Organized by the International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) under the academic guidance of the Peace Journalism Lab (PJL), the conference brought together academics, journalists, and organizations from around the world to discuss and address the critical issue of journalists' safety. The event received the support of key partners, including the Secretariat General of Communication, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, POESY, Union of Journalists for Macedonia and Thrace, the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), ERT, and the DETHPE.
Throughout the conference, a wide range of challenges facing journalists during crises were highlighted, from digital threats in the cyber world to the psychological toll of continuous exposure to violent imagery. Special emphasis was placed on the need for specialized safety training, with mention of the successful “Safety for Journalists” program, which was conducted for the fourth time at the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Kilkis, Greece.
Among the distinguished speakers were the Secretary General of Communication, Dimitris Galamatis, who referred to the conference as an "important first step in safeguarding journalists' safety," and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Theodoros Roussopoulos, who urged member states to implement national action plans to protect media professionals. Also in attendance were representatives from the Region of Central Macedonia, including Olia Vasilaki Karozi, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences at AUTh, Christos Frangonikolopoulos, who underscored that journalists' safety is a fundamental requirement for independent information and democracy.
The event was the culmination of the "Safety for Journalists" program, co-organized by ICSJ, the EU Jean Monnet Chair on Public Diplomacy, and the Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre. Journalists and media professionals were trained in practical skills and techniques that strengthen their ability to recognize and address threats in both physical and digital environments.
The first day of the conference was dedicated to academic presentations focused on critical topics related to journalists’ protection. In-depth discussions covered the legal frameworks that safeguard journalists, stressing institutional tools that ensure accountability. Next, digital security was addressed as a fundamental requirement in today’s media landscape, where journalists face increasingly complex technological threats. The discussion also extended to journalists' safety in war zones, where practical strategies were presented for protecting those working in high-risk areas. Additional topics included journalists' roles in covering crises and disasters, the issue of trauma journalism with its psychological implications for journalists regularly exposed to dangerous situations, and a dialogue on safeguarding pluralism and inclusivity in media, highlighting the need for a supportive and diverse environment.
The second day shifted focus to presentations from international and local organizations actively involved in protecting journalists, complemented by firsthand accounts from media professionals who have worked under critical conditions. Their personal stories brought real-life depth to the theoretical frameworks discussed on the first day, offering invaluable insights to all participants.
In a world where crises and conflicts are a daily reality, the importance of ensuring journalists' safety has emerged as a shared conviction among all participants and partners. Through collaboration between international institutions, academic bodies, and organizations, this conference has marked an important step in enhancing journalists' protection and training, with the commitment that this effort will continue to support independent journalism.
For more information about the International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals, please visit the official website: https://safetyforjournalists.org/index.php/en
