December 18, 2025
Workshop Dates: December 5–7, 2025
Location: Amman, Jordan
As part of ARIJ 18th Annual Forum held in Amman from December 5 to 7, 2025, ARIJ organized a specialized training entitled “From Local to Cross-Border: Advancing Cross-Border Investigative Journalism Skills”, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The three-day workshop targeted graduates of the 6th Data Journalism Diploma cohort, aiming to equip them with the tools and practical methodologies necessary to transform local investigative ideas into cross-border hypotheses. The training also focused on enhancing their planning, collaboration, and verification skills within international teams.
Day one explored the concept, benefits, and challenges of cross-border investigations, alongside global success stories. Participants practiced transforming a local story into a cross-border hypothesis using ARIJ’s methodology.
Day two focused on managing workflows within multinational teams, introducing ARIJ’s collaborative supervision and publishing models. Participants also engaged in practical exercises using verification tools and open-source databases and discussed related ethical and intellectual property considerations.
On the third day, trainers guided participants through building cross-border narratives, utilizing timelines, and tracing evidence. Legal and digital safety aspects of publishing across jurisdictions were also addressed. The training concluded with project presentations to a panel of experts and the awarding of certificates.
The training welcomed 18 journalists from Jordan, Tunisia, South Sudan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, and Yemen. It served as a practical extension of the skills acquired during the six-month diploma program, led by Data Senior Editor and ARIJ Coach Mohammed Komani.
Maysoon Abou El-Hassan, female (Egypt)
shared:
“This training deepened my understanding of how to construct cross-border investigations and collaborate with journalists from different countries. I also learned new digital tools and practical strategies for planning complex projects.”
Dawlah Al-Hasbani, female (Yemen)
said:
“The training introduced me to global databases and new approaches to cross-border investigations. The trainers’ engagement and expertise added immense value to the experience.”
Chaimaa Zouai, female (Morocco)
commented:
“It gave me clearer insights into how to generate cross-border investigative ideas and safely and effectively use open-source databases.”
This training continues ARIJ’s commitment to empowering Arab journalists with the skills to conduct cross-border investigations, integrating analytical thinking, international collaboration, digital tools, and legal awareness to produce high-impact stories that foster greater accountability and deeper narratives across the region.
