In the latest event of the Clarke Forum’s Leadership in the Age of Uncertainty series, Anthony Borden, founder of the non-profit Institute for War and Peace Reporting, shared the organization’s mission and his own experiences as a war journalist in various areas, including Ukraine.

Borden, who first began his career in New York, was involved with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting in the early 1990s, reporting on conflicts such as the Gulf War and Yugoslav Wars. IWPR works to empower local journalists and activists in conflict zones globally, particularly those who are historically marginalized or oppressed. Mr. Borden called disinformation the “single most important immediate challenge” and “biggest issue” of the modern day. 

Through grassroots efforts such as youth programming, IWPR combats harmful propaganda and strives to protect local journalists. The organization operates in 50 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Despite often contending with hostile dictatorships, IWPR strives to establish independent media agencies that promote critical thinking and factual accountability. It established the first independent media news agency in Afghanistan, and a network of Iraqi reporters helped break down the authoritarian image of ISIS. Notable people who have worked with IWPR include Ammar Al Shahbander, an activist for election and human rights in Iraq who was assassinated in 2015, and Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate and Pakistani activist for girls’ education. 

Currently, the Institute is focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They have worked in the country since 2014, when Russia shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 during the war in Donbas. Borden reported from Ukraine for several months shortly after the Russian invasion began in 2022. The Institute works to support Ukrainian journalists, who put themselves in danger to report on the Russian invasion. Many Ukrainian journalists are targeted by Russia, and suffer from an ongoing lack of funds. Though reporting on the truth of war is mentally and emotionally depleting, the Ukrainian press must endure and make the case to other countries in support of Ukraine. 

Denys Sharpylo ’26, who is from Ukraine, spoke during the Q&A session after the talk. He shared the profound effect of the horrific news in Ukraine on him. He said he had a strong duty as a Ukrainian citizen to help, beyond sending money and raising awareness about the war, and asked Borden what ordinary people can do to fight misinformation and the narrative propagated by Russia. Borden said that any and all contributions are helpful, and there is “too much you can do to help.” He emphasized the importance of sharing verified, accurate information, and to keep in mind that resolving and finding solutions to the war will be a sustained process over a long period of time. The only way to combat disinformation is through the hard work and accuracy of dedicated journalists.