Justice campaigner Lina abu akleh to speak at QF

The impact of the information age on the spread of true and false narratives, and the changing face of activism, will be explored at Qatar Foundation’s Education Speaker Series on Monday as the platform for dialogue partners with Al Jazeera Media Network to welcome Palestinian social justice advocate Lina Abu Akleh.

Since her aunt Shireen, the Palestinian American correspondent for Al Jazeera, was killed this year by the Israeli Defence Forces while reporting on an Israeli military raid in Palestine, Abu Akleh has led her family’s campaign for the truth about her death to be told, and for those responsible for the tragedy to be held to account.

In her talk – Protecting Truth, Seeking Justice – which takes place at Qatar National Library at Education City on Monday and will be moderated by Al Jazeera senior journalist Jamal Elshayyal, Abu Akleh will share her views about how an era of information overload shapes the quest for truth and the work of activists as well as why journalists who tell the story of the world from some of its most dangerous places need to be protected.

Following Shireen Abu Akleh’s death, her niece has become the face of her family’s global campaign for accountability and justice, and has been named one of TIME’S 100 Emerging Leaders.

As a platform for thought leaders from Qatar and around the region and the world, the Education City Speaker Series illustrates QF’s commitment to opening up opportunities for dialogue and discussion on key national and global topics – which, since its launch, have included the future of education, sustainability and climate change, youth empowerment, mental health, and accessibility. Its events, open to both in-person and online audiences, allow people to listen to, learn from, and engage with experts to share perspectives and catalyze conversations.

Protecting Truth, Seeking Justice will be held in the Special Events Area at Qatar National Library on 31 October, with limited seats available and pre-registration required at www.qf.org.qa/ecss. Arabic translation and Arabic sign language will be provided at the event, which will also be available to view on QF’s social media platforms, with Arabic translation on its YouTube Arabic channel.