BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Journalist Syndicate held a conference at the Rasheed Hotel here covering journalist standards, ethics and independent reporting in a fledgling democracy, May 23. The intent was to pave the way forward in a democracy that promotes an ethical and free press.

The conference focused on freedoms of expression and journalistic autonomy with the goal of seeking the truth.  The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate sponsored an all day event where media from all over the world attended with the main purpose of helping the Iraqi media build capacity and capability.  The conference was attended by more than one hundred journalists, vendors and organizers.  Attendees were from almost every region of the world including Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East.

The conference addressed the need for more pan-Arab media involvement due to the global recession; Western media bureaus are either reducing staff or closing outlets.  However, this gives the Iraqi media a great opportunity to tell its story to the world.

Aiden White, general secretary, International Federation of Journalists, addressed the conference with Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in attendance.  White specifically acknowledged Maliki in his address, “The Union of Journalists salute the courage and sacrifice of the Iraqi people and especially the journalists and members of the Iraqi Journalist Syndicate.”

White praised Maliki’s commitment to democracy and allowing the media to play a vital role in this endeavor.  White added, “We have launched the Ethical Initiative [conference and training for journalists] to improve and strengthen the quality of journalism.  We have launched these programs across the pan-Arab world, Russia, and Europe. We now bring this campaign to Iraq.”

White said, “We work without sacrificing our editorial independence and media freedom, but we have our eyes wide open.  All of us live in a changing world and it is time for everyone in public life-journalist included-to stand for ethics, honesty and democratic values.”

The group International Federation of Journalist signed agreements, largely as a symbol to form an alliance to uphold journalistic integrity and ethical standards.  The hope is to improve the democratic landscape in Iraq.  The agreement was signed by the Iraqi Commission on Integrity and the Iraq Electoral Commission.  The conference was a significant event as it reinforces Iraq’s sovereignty.