WOFL MENA Chapter – Jordan 2025
8:30 | Registration
9:30 | Opening Ceremony
Master of Ceremony:
- Alia Toukan, Former News Anchor JTV
Video Report: MCF Achievements
President Note:
- HE Dr. May Chidiac, Founder & President of the MCF and MCF- Media Institute, Former Minister.
Video Report: State of Women
Chairperson Note:
- Maha Shair, Former journalist and Philanthropist.
Keynote Speech:
- HE Dr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
10:20 – 10:30 | Presentation 1 | Dar Al-Handasah | Report on Empowering Women, Uplifting Communities | 10 minutes
10:30 – 11:20 | Panel 1 | In the Midst of Mass Destruction: The Plight of Women and Children in Gaza | 40 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
Description: This panel will shed light on the deliberate targeting of women and children in Gaza during the October 7 war. Women and children make up 70% of the victims of this systematic wave of violence, with most Palestinian detainees under the age of 18 enduring severe abuse. Despite the reach of a ceasefire agreement, Palestinian women and children continue to suffer under occupation and aggression. In the face of such atrocities, who is standing to protect these innocent lives? Innocence itself is being obliterated at the hands of the oppressors, while the world watches in silence.
Speakers:
- HE Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine.
- Arwa Damon, Former CNN Senior Correspondent and Founder INARA.
- Adele Khodr, Child Rights Advocate and Former UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
- Special Statement: HE Sigrid Kaag, Former Deputy Prime Minister and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.
Moderator:
- Ricardo Karam, Media figure, CEO of RK production and Executive Chairman at TAKREEM Foundation.
11:20 – 12:00 | Fireside Talk 1 | The Power of the Pen: Baria Alamuddin as a Catalyst for Change | 25 minutes + 15 minutes Q&A
Description: Baria Alamuddin is an award-winning journalist, editor, and
broadcaster renowned for her incisive reporting and deep analysis of Middle
Eastern and global affairs. With a career spanning several decades, she has
established herself as a powerful voice in journalism, shedding light on critical political, social, and security issues. Throughout her distinguished career, Alamuddin has interviewed some of the world’s most influential figures, from political leaders and diplomats to cultural icons and activists. In this fireside talk, Alamuddin will draw from her extensive experience to offer a candid reflection on the rapidly evolving landscape of journalism. She will explore the challenges facing media professionals in an era of disinformation, political polarization, and press repression, as well as the ethical dilemmas journalists must navigate in times of crisis. As the media continues to adapt to technological advancements and shifting audience consumption habits, Alamuddin will also share her vision for the future of storytelling and the indispensable role of journalists in upholding truth, accountability, and democracy.
Speaker:
- Baria Alamuddin, Award-winning journalist, columnist for
Arab News and editor of the Media Syndicate.
Moderator:
- Maha Shair, Former journalist and Philanthropist.
12:00 – 12:10 | Presentation 2 | Hikma | The Power of DEI and Wellbeing Together | 10 minutes
Speaker:
- Dana Tamimi, Head of Change Management, Wellbeing & DEI.
12:10 – 12:30 | Networking Break | 20 minutes
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12:30 – 12:40 | Presentation 3 | Royal Jordanian | 10 minutes
Speaker:
- Razan Aljbarat, Director of Corporate Communications.
12:40 – 13:30 | Panel 2 | Women Leading AI Innovations in Times of Crisis | 40 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
Description: From destructive algorithms to life-saving innovations, artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of our world. This panel will explore AI’s dual nature—how it’s used to amplify crises while also fostering dialogue and trust. AI’s transformative role in society will also be examined: its applications in governance and its power to generate both progress and peril. How does AI reshape the way we live, connect, and heal? And how can we ensure it remains a force for good in an ever-evolving world?
Speakers:
- Yasmin Al Enazi, Top 10 Women shaping Robotics Industry Globally by IFR.
- Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global and Tech Diplomacy Forum.
- Vida Hamd, Head of Public Policy Maghreb Region and Sudan, and Leader of MENA Chapter Women at META.
- Sally Hammoud, Ph.D. in AI in Media & Conference, Author of an Arabic book “Artificial Intelligence in Digital Reputation”.
Moderator:
- Chaker Khazaal, Author & Executive Chairman, OBCIDO.
13:30 – 14:00 | Fireside Talk 2 | Unmasking the Truth: Rana Sabbagh on Investigative Journalism in the MENA Region | 20 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
Description: Rana Sabbagh, an award-winning Senior MENA Investigations Editor at OCCRP and co-founder of the ARIJ network, discusses her journey in investigative journalism. She emphasizes the vital role of reporting in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in challenging environments. The talk highlights how effective leadership in the media fosters ethical practices and empowers journalists to confront obstacles. Rana reflects on the resilience required to navigate the complexities of the field. Her insights underscore the transformative power of collaboration and innovative leadership for driving social change.
Speakers:
- Rana Sabbagh, Senior editor for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Co-founder of the award-winning Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), an OCCRP member center.
Moderator:
- Ricardo Karam, Media figure, CEO of RK production and Executive Chairman at TAKREEM Foundation.
14:00 – 15:00 | Standing Business Lunch | 60 minutes
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15:00 – 15:10 | Presentation 4 | Ahli Bank | Gender Diversity and Inclusion at Jordan Ahli Bank | 10 minutes
Speaker:
- Maha Dado, Chief Human Resources Officer.
15:10 – 16:00 | Panel 3 | Stories of Resilience—Women Journalists in Conflict Zones | 40 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
Description: This panel will bring together women journalists who have reported from the frontlines of the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting their resilience, courage, and determination as they risk their lives to tell the stories that must be heard. These fearless women will share their personal experiences —from facing physical and emotional risks to elevating the voices of marginalized communities. This conversation will emphasize the strength and resolve of women journalists who continue to stand firm in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Speakers:
- Heba Akkilah, Palestinian journalist and Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza.
- Darine El Helwe, Bureau Chief of Sky News Arabia’s Beirut Bureau and Senior News Reporter.
- Carmen Joukhadar, Correspondent at Al Jazeera – Beirut Bureau.
- Jomana Karadsheh, CNN International Correspondent.
Moderator:
- Ricardo Karam, Media figure, CEO of RK production and Executive Chairman at TAKREEM Foundation.
16:00 – 16:10 | Presentation 5 | Saba Hamlet for Gender Equality | Women in decision-making positions: Saba Hamlet’s duty to the community | 10 minutes
Speaker:
- Ghada Saba, Founder and CEO.
16:10 – 17:00 | Panel 4 | Canvas of Power: Art for a Cause | 40 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
Description: Suffering and agony translated to art. This panel will explore the powerful voices of female artists who bear witness to wars and conflicts. From powerful films to evocative songs, striking paintings, and poetry, artists have long used creative mediums to document their experiences, resist oppression, and inspire global solidarity. Speakers will discuss how art can not only capture the pain and resilience of a people but also challenge narratives and catalyze change.
Speakers:
- Dana Barqawi, Multidisciplinary Artist & Urban Planner.
- Zeyne Sajdi, Music Artist and Songwriter.
- Darin J. Sallam, Director and Writer, Talebox Co-Founder and Managing Partner.
Moderator:
- Chaker Khazaal, Author & Executive Chairman, OBCIDO.
17:00 – 18:30 | Star Segment | Lights, Camera, Action: In Conversation with Saba Mubarak | One hour and 15 minutes + 15 minutes Q&A
Description: Saba Mubarak is a prominent Jordanian actress and producer, whose career spans over two decades in the entertainment industry. In this star segment, Saba Mubarak will share her insights and experiences from her extensive career in both acting and producing. She will discuss the evolution of the Arab entertainment industry, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities she has encountered throughout her journey. As a producer and founder of Pan East Media, Saba will also talk about her vision for the future of Jordanian and Arab content, and the importance of creating authentic, high-quality audiovisual projects. Additionally, she will discuss the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and the potential for regional content to gain international recognition. With her unique perspective as both a performer and a producer, Saba will provide valuable insights into the intersection of art, business, and the changing landscape of the Arab entertainment world.
Speaker:
- Saba Mubarak, Actress and Producer
Moderators:
- Nadia Al Zoubi, Jordanian TV Host and Radio Presenter.
- Rahaf Sawalha, Jordanian TV Host and Radio Presenter.