New York, April 7, 2025–The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Qudah as the new Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Qudah will lead CPJ’s work advocating for press freedom in the MENA region and oversee the organization’s efforts to address the thorny challenges facing journalists there.
“Sara’s extensive and broad experience working with journalists in some of the most challenging environments makes her uniquely qualified to guide our efforts in advocating for press freedom and accountability in the region,” said Carlos Martinez de la Serna, CPJ Chief Programs Officer. “I am delighted to welcome Sara to lead our work in the MENA region and work closely with an incredible team of researchers and advocates.”
“I am honored to join CPJ as the Regional Director for MENA,” Qudah said. “There has never been a more critical role for CPJ’s vital work in the region and I’m eager to work alongside an amazing, insightful group of colleagues to fight for an environment where journalists can do their jobs without fear.”
Qudah brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of media development, advocacy, and journalism. She most recently served as the MENA Program Manager for Internews Network, overseeing a portfolio of programs across the MENA region. Qudah’s career began as a journalist in Jordan, where she worked for Al-Rai newspaper and later became the Editor-in-Chief of 7iber.com. Over the years, Qudah led impactful media programs in Yemen, Sudan, and Morocco, gaining a reputation for developing regionally informed strategies that promote media independence and address evolving challenges to press freedom in the MENA region.
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About the Committee to Protect Journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.