Jayousi told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the win represents a distinct and important Jordanian achievement, confirming the importance of independent media, technology, and innovation in countering disinformation and promoting dialogue. She added that it is an important step in "Madraj's" journey toward strengthening its presence in digital media and continuing to work on developing initiatives that employ technology to serve the public interest, support independent journalism, and contribute to countering media disinformation and promoting a culture of dialogue and coexistence at both local and international levels.
She extended her sincere thanks to the Austrian Embassy in Jordan for its important role in supporting civil society organizations, protecting journalism and freedom of expression, and promoting dialogue, noting that the competition is supported by the Austrian Foreign Ministry and encourages initiatives that use innovation and technology to promote intercultural dialogue and deal with media and societal challenges.
For her part, the Austrian Ambassador to Jordan, Marieke Zimburg, said, "Countering media disinformation is not limited to verifying information, but requires building trust, safeguarding freedom of expression, and enhancing individuals' ability to think critically and rely on reliable information. Hence, initiatives that employ technology to serve these goals are gaining increasing importance."
She added, "We are proud and happy that 'Madraj' won the 2026 Intercultural Achievement Award, marking the fifth consecutive win for a Jordanian initiative in the award, and the second achieved by a Jordanian initiative in one of its main categories. This continuous presence reflects the wealth of energy and innovative ideas in Jordan capable of contributing to addressing the common challenges facing our societies."
