International Journalists visit Abgeordnetenwatch HQ

The International Institute for Journalism offers young journalists from developing countries all over the world the opportunity to visit Germany to participate in a number of training programs, all of which are aimed towards enhancing participants knowledge of how the media works. abgeordnetenwatch.de invites groups of these delegates attending such courses to the office throughout the year for an introduction to the abgeordnetenwatch.de model. From Zimbabwe to Indonesia, the 24 program participants came to Hamburg from all over the world and brought with them a diverse range of skills and experience. However, all had two things in common; a passion for responsible journalism and an eagerness to learn more about how the media works.

The visit began with a short presentation from our colleague Gregor Hackmack and was followed by a lively question and answer session. The questions revealed an appetite and enthusiasm for more political transparency and accountability in all the countries represented. The visitors voiced their concerns around introducing the model at home and there was a discussion around how these country-specific challenges could be overcome. Our international partners attended the discussion and were helpful in coming up with solutions to the concerns raised – particularly our Tunisian representative Nabil Yahyaoui, who has encountered and overcome many of the challenges faced by a developing country. The presentation was followed by a short tour of the office and an introduction to our team. The excitement among the group was palpable and when everyone reconvened in the reception area, it was clear that there were individuals dedicated to exploring the possibility of introducing the abgeordnetenwatch.de model in their home country- particularly from the delegates visiting from Egypt and Pakistan.

Clearly, there is a global demand for more democracy and it is gatherings like these that empower individuals to employ the abgeordnetenwatch.de model as a tool for achieving a more accountable political system worldwide.