Abu Dhabi: As part of the second day of the Global Media Congress (GMC 2024), the 'Covering Conflict' panel tackled the complex challenges journalists face while reporting from conflict zones, emphasising the critical role of media in fostering societal unity. The open discussion shed light on the delicate task of presenting an accurate and balanced depiction of events in the midst of volatile and dangerous circumstances. According to Emirates News Agency, the panel highlighted the importance of safety standards for journalists, stressing the need for proper training to equip them with the skills to navigate crises and dangerous environments. Speakers underscored the role of protective equipment and close coordination with local and international organisations to ensure the safety of journalists in the field. The conversation also addressed the need to move away from populist and agenda-driven media that aim to incite divisions or serve political interests at the expense of credibility. The speakers emphasi sed the responsibility of media outlets to present accurate and truthful information, fostering public awareness and aligning the goals of various media platforms to act as a unifying force within society rather than a divisive tool. The session concluded with a call for media to adopt a positive and constructive role that promotes cohesion and counters hatred. Participants stressed the importance of using social media responsibly and ensuring that journalism, in all its forms, remains focused on transparency and truth. The panel reiterated that the ultimate goal of media should be to build a more informed, cohesive society while avoiding bias and misinformation.