The two-month online program brings together leading Arab academics and media professionals to strengthen institutional communication, crisis management, digital verification, and media performance.
MENA Network has announced the launch of its Professional Diploma in Government Communication and Institutional Media, organized in cooperation with Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and the Syrian Journalists Union.
The two-month professional program will run from 30 September to 1 December 2026, with three online evening sessions held each week. Registration procedures are expected to be completed by 25 September 2026.
Designed for media professionals, government communication officers, official spokespersons, public relations practitioners, institutional content producers, and journalists seeking to develop specialized communication skills, the diploma combines academic knowledge with practical professional experience.
The program brings together a distinguished group of Arab academics, trainers, and media experts representing diverse areas of government communication, institutional media, journalism, digital verification, campaign management, and crisis communication.
Six Specialized Training Modules
The diploma comprises six specialized modules addressing the principal skills required by media departments and communication teams within public and private institutions.
Professor Abdelmalek Al-Dannani will deliver the module on media campaign management, monitoring, and performance measurement. The module will examine the planning and implementation of institutional campaigns, audience analysis, media monitoring, and the use of performance indicators to evaluate communication outcomes.
Dr Saud bin Falih Al-Gharbi will lead the module on Media Office Management and Content Planning, focusing on the organisation of media departments, the development of communication plans, the management of institutional content, and coordination between media teams and organisational leadership.
Ismail Al-Quritli will deliver the module on Digital Verification for Institutions and Combating Disinformation. Participants will explore practical verification methods, the identification of manipulated and misleading content, and the role of institutional communication teams in responding to rumours and coordinated disinformation.
Dr Ali Mohammed Al-Hazmi will lead the module on Journalistic Editing for Government Institutions, covering professional news writing, institutional statements, press releases, editorial standards, and the adaptation of official information for different media platforms and audiences.
Hossam Najm will deliver the module on Official Spokesperson Skills and Media Relations, which will address public speaking, interview preparation, message development, communication with journalists, press conference management, and professional engagement with the media.
The module on Crisis Communication and Reputation Management will be delivered by Aboubakr Ibrahimoglu, CEO of MENA Network. It will examine institutional communication during emergencies, the development of crisis-response plans, reputation protection, public messaging, media coordination, and the management of misinformation during periods of heightened public attention.
Responding to a Changing Media Environment
The diploma has been developed in response to the growing need for qualified communication professionals capable of managing institutional information in a rapidly changing media environment.
Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, instant communication, and the widespread circulation of misleading content have transformed the relationship between institutions, journalists, and the public. Government and institutional communication teams are now expected to provide accurate information quickly while maintaining credibility, transparency, and professional standards.
The programme therefore places particular emphasis on applied learning and connects theoretical knowledge with the practical challenges faced by communication departments, official spokespersons, and media offices.
Participants will examine real-life communication scenarios and develop practical skills in planning, writing, verification, crisis response, campaign evaluation, and media engagement.
Strengthening Professional Communication
Commenting on the launch, MENA Network CEO Aboubakr Ibrahimoglu said the diploma reflects the network’s commitment to developing professional media and communication skills across the region.
“Effective government and institutional communication is not limited to publishing information. It requires professional planning, credibility, rapid verification, a clear understanding of audiences, and the ability to communicate responsibly during both normal circumstances and crises,” Ibrahimoglu said.
He added that the program brings together academic expertise and practical media experience to provide participants with skills that can be directly applied within their organizations.
The cooperation between the MENA Network, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, and the Syrian Journalists Union also reflects a broader effort to strengthen partnerships between universities, professional organizations, and media institutions.
Professional Certification
Participants who successfully complete the academic and practical requirements will receive a professional diploma certificate accredited by Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.
The program forms part of MENA Network’s wider strategy to expand professional training opportunities for journalists, institutional media teams, and communication professionals and to develop programs that respond to changes in technology, public communication, and the contemporary media environment.
