Abdulla Al Hamed Heads UAE Delegation To 21st Arab Media Forum In Beirut On Sustainable Development
The 21st Arab Media Forum commenced in Beirut, with Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and UAE Media Council, leading the UAE delegation. The event is held under the patronage of General Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon. This year's theme is "Media and Sustainable Development: Partners of the Present – Alliance for the Future," gathering Arab ministers, media professionals, and decision-makers.
Al Hamed emphasised that the UAE's involvement showcases a national commitment to fostering cooperation and sharing expertise to advance Arab media. He stated, "The forum serves as a leading platform for constructive dialogue on the expanding role of the media in driving sustainable development and contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for Arab nations."
This edition underscores media's vital role in supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing partnerships among media institutions, governments, and civil society. Al Hamed noted that media's influence extends beyond news reporting. It builds public awareness and promotes positivity, innovation, and responsibility while strengthening partnerships for future alliances between media and development.
He further highlighted Beirut's significance as a historical centre for Arab media and culture. Al Hamed remarked that sustainable development relies heavily on an engaged media sector. He said: "Gathering here in Beirut—a city that has long been a cornerstone of the Arab media and cultural landscape—under the theme ‘Media and Sustainable Development: Partners of the Present – Alliance for the Future’, we reaffirm that the media today is a driving force shaping the path of development and positive transformation."
The NMO chairman concluded by stressing the need for Arab media institutions to enhance cooperation to tackle shared challenges amid rapid global communication changes. He stated: "The UAE believes Arab media, when united around the values of professionalism, responsibility, and mutual respect, can become a powerful driver of development and a means of safeguarding identity and building a shared future for the Arab nation."
The forum has been a prominent regional platform since its launch in 2003. It facilitates dialogue on pressing issues like artificial intelligence challenges, misinformation, and fast-paced information flow. This year’s programme includes panel discussions, workshops, and open sessions covering topics such as new media trends, cybersecurity concerns, public opinion dynamics, ethics in journalism, crisis reporting strategies, and future prospects in the platform economy era.
With inputs from WAM
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