The Palestinian News Agency WAFA has secured the first Media Professionalism Award presented by the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA), in recognition of its commitment to professional and ethical journalism.
The award was announced during the Ramadan Forum organized by UNA in Jeddah on February 25, 2026 (Ramadan 8, 1447 AH), marking the second anniversary of the adoption of the “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” document.
The award was presented by Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and UNA Director General Mohammed bin Abdulrab Al-Yami. It was received on behalf of WAFA by Ambassador Hadi Shalabi, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The recognition forms part of joint initiatives between the Muslim World League and UNA, particularly under the framework of the “Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility.” The charter was adopted during the international forum titled “Media and its Role in Fueling Hatred and Violence: The Dangers of Misinformation and Bias.”
The charter serves as both a professional and legal reference for regulating ethical media practices and promoting responsible journalism across OIC member states.
The Media Professionalism Award, launched under this framework, is granted to governmental and non-governmental institutions, as well as individuals, who demonstrate adherence to professional media values, accuracy, and credibility.
