Panel Discussions and Workshops at Safe&Sane Conference Online: From Questions to Needs, From Needs to Solutions
In wartime conditions, journalists face unprecedented challenges, and their work impacts both society and the media professionals themselves. How to adapt work processes? How to talk about trauma responsibly? How to fight disinformation?
Safe&Sane Conference is a space for honest dialogue where, together with media experts, psychologists, and researchers, we will try to find answers.
- Date: March 27, 2025
- Time: 14:00 – 19:00
- Language: English and Ukrainian (simultaneous interpretation)
Discussion: Main Challenges for Journalism in Ukraine
How war changes journalism, what difficulties media professionals face, and how news affects society? The discussion will present two studies: “The Impact of the Profession on the Mental Health of Journalists,” which reveals how working in media affects journalists’ psychological state, and research on the impact of news on Ukrainian citizens during wartime.
Speakers:
- Kateryna Sergatskova – head of Daily Humanity and 2402 Foundation organizations. Journalist with 20 years of experience covering wars, conflicts, and human rights. Winner of the Kurt Schork Award, Free Media Award, and others.
- Olga Khan – psychologist, Master’s in Social Psychology, expert in global mental health and support in emergency situations (MHPSS). Has experience working in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Kosovo, Moldova, Belarus, and Iraq.
- Pauline Mauffrais – regional manager of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Ukraine. Researches Russian crimes against journalists and analyzes the impact of Russian propaganda.
- Andriy Bychenko – director of the sociological service at the Razumkov Centre, which specializes in research in social, political, and economic spheres. The center conducted research on the impact of news on Ukrainians’ mental health as part of the Mental Program.
Workshop: Trauma-informed Leadership
Lecturer:
- Gavin Rees – senior advisor at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, where he specializes in supporting journalists working in traumatic conditions, particularly in conflict zones and emergency situations. Gavin actively works on developing strategies for preserving journalists’ mental health and promotes the integration of a trauma-informed approach in the media sphere. His experience in training journalists helps create a supportive environment for those covering difficult and traumatic events, providing reliable methods for overcoming stress and trauma.
After the workshop, there will be a discussion featuring journalists who have already completed trauma-informed leadership training, who will share their experiences and insights about how this approach has affected their work and mental health.
Discussion: Hatred, Polarization, and Disinformation During War and Peace Negotiations
How do information wars, propaganda, and hate speech affect society during war? What disinformation risks may threaten peace processes? During the discussion, experts will discuss how to prevent societal division, counter polarization, and build resilience against manipulation.
Speakers:
- Dr. Luisa Ortiz Perez – executive director and co-founder of Vita-Activa.org. Initiator of a hotline supporting women journalists and activists facing online violence.
- Kate Parkinson – expert in journalist safety, developer of innovative trainings, winner of the Women in Innovation Award. Has experience reporting from conflict zones for Al Jazeera and Sky News.
- Dr. Maya Nenadovich – specialist in conflict transformation, developer of the Across Divides methodology for depolarizing communication. Has worked in over 40 countries. PhD in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam.
Discussion: Work Culture in Journalism and How to Change It?
What challenges do journalists face due to exhausting working conditions, ethical dilemmas, and constant psychological pressure? How to change the culture in the media sphere to ensure support for journalists and promote their mental well-being? Participants will discuss possible solutions, best practices, and necessary transformations in the media industry.
Speakers:
- Lina Kushch – First Secretary of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
- Roman Stepanovych – co-founder of 2402 Foundation (Ukraine) and Daily Humanity (Denmark), video producer, media manager, Peabody Award laureate.
- Serhiy Danylov – co-founder of Anima, a platform for testing mental health using technology. Expert in neurobiology, founder of Beehiveor Academy.
Join the discussions and trainings that will help journalists work more effectively, safely, and resiliently in wartime conditions!
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