Al Jazeera veteran, Yosri Fouda, sharing his experiences at the ARIJ regional conference in Amman. Photo: Lotte Dahlmann/IMS

The importance of having professional icons to give young journalists a long-term goal to pursue in their career was underlined at the first regional conference on investigative journalism, organized by ARIJ between 28-30 November in Amman. Al Jazeera veteran Yosri Fouda and Danish documentarist Tom Heinemann talk about this role

- It's really not me personally, but the whole team of Al Jazeera who should be creditted, says Yosri Fouda modestly. Moments before he has, once again during the ARIJ conference, posed together with young Arab journalists, who want to be photographed next to their professional idol.

Yosri Fouda is a veteran at Al Jazeera as he has been on board since the very beginning when Al Jazeera was launched in 1996 funded by the Emir of Qatar. He rose to stardom following the tracks of Al Qaida in Central Asia and Iraq in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001. Later, Yosri cemented his status as investigative reporter Numero Uno in the Arab world hosting and producing "Top Secret", an in-depth investigative news program which is among the most popular programmes on Al Jazeera. A postion which he holds to this day, as well as being the deputy executive director of Al Jazeera's London branch.

- Anyone could have done what we did, insists Yosri Fouda. - It was just a matter of timing and good luck, he says today.

"Noblesse oblige"

He says he is truly humbled by the attention his presence generates whenever he speaks in public.

- I don't see why I'm so spectacular, but I am honoured that they know me and my work. Besides I don't want to appear arrogant, which is why I accept posing for photos, he smiles.

Speaking about the importance of having professional peers to look up to, Yosri Fouda admits that he cannot recall any 'lighthouses' in the field of investigative reporting from the Arab region, when he began his own career as a young journalist. He is therefore glad to set an example for young Arab journalists and is keen to accommodate young journalists, when they turn to him for advice.

- it is really a privilege, says Yousri Fouda.

Tom Heinemann, Danish journalist and a well-established investigative reporter in Denmark and Scandinavia, also feels a sense of obligation to help young aspiring investigative reporters on the way.

- When I began in this line of work myself, I knocked down the door to Ulrik Dahlin's office ( also a well-established investiagitve reporter in Denmark) and said I wanted to learn from him and work with him. My working method was messy and emotional, and Ulrik Dahlin taught me the skill of being analytical and systematic. Today, I am myself sharing my office with a young journalist, whom I try to help as best I can, Tom Heinemann says.

Asked what comes with the job as a role model, Tom Heinemann says laughing:

- a lot of hard work - and listening to frustrations that are being poured out over the telephone! But it also feels good to support young talents.

Tom Heinemann openly reached out to the participating journalists when speaking at the ARIJ conference, offering collaboration to those interested.

Following his presentation, six journalists approached him to echange contact details for further follow-up.