The power of dialogue
Whether online or offline, open communication bridges gaps, promotes understanding, and drives innovation.
In our increasingly interconnected world, where opinions vary widely and misinformation spreads, encouraging dialogue among individuals with diverse perspectives is more crucial than ever.
Whether online or offline, open communication bridges gaps, promotes understanding, and drives innovation. During my recent visit to Berlin with a Jordanian delegation, we engaged in meaningful discussions with representatives from both the public and private sectors on the conflict in the Middle East, the impact of the war on the region, and economic repercussions.
This month, I was also invited to speak at the Sijal Institute for Arabic Language to students from the University of Texas at Austin who are studying Arabic in Amman. We discussed my book, Voices of Jordan, and the themes of diversity and storytelling. The students also shared their initial impressions of Jordan, the region's culture, and people.
So, I encourage you to continue engaging with others, especially with those who don't share your opinion. Meanwhile, here at Wishbox Media, we had a productive month. We signed new agreements, published media content, began filming for a new project, and more. We have a lot to share this month.
Best wishes,
Rana F. Sweis
Founder, Wishbox Media Company
💡 What we've been up to
🌍 Our managing director, Rana Sweis, spent over a week in Berlin, Germany attending work meetings. She met with notable figures and representatives from the public and private sectors, accompanied by a Jordanian delegation. This trip was a great opportunity for collaboration and networking!
🌟 We are thrilled to share that Wishbox Media has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kawalees Media Academy. We continue to believe in the power of collaboration to gain new opportunities in communications, youth engagement, and media. Stay tuned for innovative projects and impactful initiatives as we work together to make a difference.
🤝 We are also delighted to share that we have partnered with Mukhmal Media. This collaboration aims to create new opportunities in training opportunities and digital media.
💫 Wishbox Media took part in a job fair hosted by the University of Jordan on May 12, and the Wishbox Media team had a great time! The event saw a huge turnout from numerous organizations and companies. We were thrilled to meet many students and graduates who visited our booth, learned about our services and achievements, and participated in interactive competitions. Exciting prizes were also given away!
🎞️ We recently launched a big project in collaboration with USAID Makanti, Women's Economic Empowerment and Leadership Activity. The project includes a film documentary, multimedia stories, infographics, and media campaigns.
🌠 Exciting news! The selected ideas for funding as part of The Content Innovation Fund will be announced soon! We are thrilled to partner with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) to bring these ideas to life.
🤝 We have partnered with KAS Jordan on an upcoming videography and social media project that explores political, cultural, and artistic Jordan between Germany and Jordan, enhancing German understanding of Jordanian life.
📰 In the media:
Al Rai Newspaper: Rana Sweis was interviewed in Al-Rai newspaper about female participation and role in Jordan's upcoming parliamentary elections.
Chatham House Webinar: Join Rana Sweis, our managing director, for a webinar panel discussion ( 12 JUNE 2024 — 2:00PM - 3:00PM BST) on how the war in Gaza is affecting Jordan. Experts will examine the short and long-term domestic consequences, the security ramifications and regional spillover, the implications for Israel–Jordan relations, and Jordan’s diplomatic role. Sign up!
🗄️ From the archive
🎙️ Watch the replay of our live conversation with photographer Lio Hamati, in which he shared his tips on creating captivating photos and videos that will make your social media posts stand out.
📺 Our media consumption
📉 Jordan Survey: A new nationwide poll in Jordan by the International Republican Institute's Center for Insights in Survey Research reveals a positive economic outlook and a strong desire to combat corruption and strengthen political parties. The survey shows that 44% of adults expect their household economic situation to improve within a year, and 80% support anti-corruption efforts. Despite this, only 14% could name a political party running in the upcoming elections. Ongoing trends include frustration with prices and corruption, low voter turnout, and low political participation. However, there is a notable increase in confidence in government structures, a desire for stronger political parties and oversight mechanisms, and an optimistic outlook for the future.
👓 Substack read: We enjoyed reading this piece on Substack and how it has contributed to the revival of blogging and became a positive force for free speech.
📕 Book Recommendation: If you're looking for a captivating read, we highly recommend "Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead" by Olga Tokarczuk, the Polish novelist who received the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2018. Born in 1962, Tokarczuk was praised by the Nobel Committee for her "narrative imagination that with encyclopedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life." Her writing, often focusing on themes of migration and cultural transitions, is celebrated for its wit and cunning.