In an age where misinformation and deception have become rampant, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of the "Unveil the Truth: Eastern Partnership Fact-Checkers Conference," set to be held in Tbilisi, Georgia from September 20th to 22nd, 2023. Organized by the Media Development Foundation (MDF) in collaboration with the USAID Unity Through Diversity Program executed by the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNA Georgia) and the Deutsche Welle Akademie (DWA), this international event promises to be a game-changer in the battle against harmful information.

Fighting Misinformation in a Complex Landscape

The backdrop for this conference is a Georgian and global media landscape marred by anti-Western propaganda and pro-Russian sentiments. These conditions provide fertile ground for Pro-Russian groups to influence public opinion negatively towards the West. Moreover, the Anti-Western rhetoric often used in Georgia is steeped in xenophobia and homophobia, often linked to unjustified fears, and carries significant political connotations. The conference aims to address these issues head-on and promote an open society.

A Gathering of Fact-Checking Experts

This landmark conference will bring together luminaries in the field of fact-checking, distinguished experts, and key stakeholders from across the globe. Their collective goal? To shine a spotlight on countering misinformation and enhancing media literacy in the region. In a digital era where deception thrives, equipping citizens with the tools to critically assess information is paramount.

Keynote Speakers Illuminate the Path Forward

The conference will feature keynote speakers renowned for their contributions to the fight against misinformation. Jessikka Aro, a celebrated Finnish journalist and author of the widely acclaimed book "Putin's Trolls" (translated into Georgian by MDF), will elucidate the deceptive strategies employed by online trolls to manipulate public opinion. Sophie Eyears, representing Facebook & Instagram's Misinfo Initiatives & Third Party Fact-Checking Programme for Europe, will discuss Meta's strategies to combat harmful information on social media platforms and underline the pivotal role of fact-checking in today's digital landscape.

Diving Deep into Crucial Topics

Over the course of three days, experts and panelists will delve into a spectrum of crucial subjects, including fact-checking during times of conflict, the critical role of fact-checking in holding politicians accountable, investigations into discrediting campaigns, gender-related misinformation, media literacy promotion, and ethical fact-checking practices.

A Focus on Methodologies and Youth Engagement

Participants can look forward to breakout sessions dedicated to exploring various fact-checking methodologies such as OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), geolocation, forensic analysis, and visual manipulation. Additionally, the conference will place significant emphasis on engaging youth in fact-checking activities, with a panel discussion spotlighting success stories from Myth Detector Alumni who have made a remarkable impact in countering misinformation among their peers.

Innovative Media Literacy Projects

The conference will conclude with a session dedicated to showcasing innovative media literacy projects that aim to combat misinformation. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore online games and other creative initiatives developed by the Media Development Foundation and its partners, offering a glimpse into the future of media literacy and information verification.

In a world where the truth is often obscured by a sea of falsehoods, the "Unveil the Truth: Eastern Partnership Fact-Checkers Conference" stands as a beacon of hope, empowering individuals to discern fact from fiction and fostering a collective effort to combat misinformation. Together, we unveil the truth and pave the way for a more informed and enlightened society.