Today's Edition
MANAMA (WAM)
Director-General of the National Media Office, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, headed the UAE delegation participating in the 54th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information.
Notably, the meeting was hosted by the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama.
Attending the session were Arab information ministers, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League, along with heads of media organisations and unions that hold observer status in the Council of Arab Ministers of Information.
The meeting focused on boosting Arab media cooperation and expanding its scope to keep pace with regional and global challenges.
The UAE delegation included the CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council, Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi.
Conscious Media
Al Kaabi emphasised that, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country seeks to establish a conscious and responsible media ecosystem capable of adapting to rapid developments and making positive changes in areas important to society, thereby driving overall development.
"Today we gather in Manama, the ‘Capital of Arab Media’ for 2024, amidst rapid regional and international events affecting the Arab media landscape. We face an unprecedented array of regional and global challenges that are significantly impacting the media sector," he said.
The Palestinian Cause
Al Kaabi said this meeting underscores the commitment to taking new, solid steps towards developing Arab media, keeping pace with global media advancements, and continuing to support the Palestinian cause, with Jerusalem at its heart.
He discussed the UAE's role in supporting the Palestinian cause and its steadfast support for the Palestinian people's rightful claim to establish an independent Palestinian state.
Furthermore, he noted that the UAE has consistently provided all forms of humanitarian aid, launching initiatives such as the Amalthea Initiative - the maritime corridor from Cyprus to northern Gaza - and the ongoing Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, establishing an air bridge that continues to deliver humanitarian and medical aid.
“In support of the Palestinian people facing dire humanitarian conditions, the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan included treating 1,000 children from Gaza in UAE hospitals until recovery and hosting 1,000 cancer patients of various ages from Gaza for treatment,” he continued.
Combating Terrorism
Al Kaabi addressed the challenges facing Arab media, stressing the urgent need for a healthy, smooth-flowing media environment, especially with the expanded scope of digital social media.
Arab countries, he explained, must develop strong media platforms to maintain an active presence in regional and international arenas.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of activating the joint Arab media strategy to combat terrorism and its action plan, along with the Arab Institute for Peace Journalism, highlighting the need for a comprehensive vision to enhance the role of Arab women in media and promote safe media initiatives for Arab children.
Al Kaabi noted that the media sector in Arab countries faces significant challenges, such as utilising artificial intelligence in media for content regulation, reporting offensive materials, or automating production.
Media Identity
Al Kaabi called on participants to collaborate on building an Arab media identity in light of global and professional developments reshaping the region and the world.
This requires upskilling Arab media professionals through practical training to tackle global challenges, he explained.
Moreover, he expressed hope that the Arab world's media would align its plans with sustainable development plans.
He concluded by stressing the need for recommendations that support the Arab media ecosystem and establish strategic foundations to counter the spread of mis- and disinformation and rumours across social media and websites.
The agenda of the Arab Information Ministers Council meeting included continued media support for the Palestinian cause, following up on the Arab media action plan for global outreach.
This includes the adoption of the statute of the observatory and the integrated platform, the Arab Institute for Peace Journalism, and the recommendations of the Arab Electronic Media Committee.
Empowering Arab Women
Furthermore, the Council discussed the best ways to implement the phased plan of the joint Arab media strategy to combat terrorism, especially as the strategy was adopted during the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.
Additionally, it touched on efforts to promote environmental media culture and enhance the role of Arab women in media, along with the adoption of the Arab Media Charter of Honour.
