UAE Chairs Arab Electronic Media Committee Meeting To Discuss Digital Transformation Challenges And Opportunities

The 21st meeting of the Arab Electronic Media Committee, chaired by the UAE, concluded at the League of Arab States' headquarters. Key attendees included Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary General and Supervisor of the Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League, and Faleh Al Mutairi, Plenipotentiary Minister and Director of the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information. Representatives from various Arab media bodies also participated.

Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council, highlighted the significance of this meeting amid significant changes in electronic media. She noted that rapid technological advancements are presenting both challenges and opportunities. Al Suwaidi stressed that Arab nations must develop comprehensive strategies to manage these transformations effectively.

Al Suwaidi emphasised the importance of joint Arab efforts to create legislative frameworks that can keep pace with digital changes. These frameworks should ensure modern technologies benefit Arab media, enhance its global presence, address cybersecurity issues, and combat misinformation. She also advocated for policies that encourage innovation while safeguarding society from harmful content.

In his opening remarks, Ahmed Rashid Khattabi explained that this session aimed to follow up on Decision No. 547 from the 54th ordinary session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information in Bahrain. This decision invited the UAE to develop a website for the Arab Electronic Media Committee by 2024's end and organise training for member state representatives on managing this site.

The proposed website will adhere to principles outlined in a Code of Conduct adopted by the Council during that session. It aims to boost Arab media's digital presence while respecting cultural values and national sovereignty. Khattabi praised the UAE's role in fostering cooperation in media and communication fields, acknowledging efforts by the UAE Media Council in preparing this project.

The meeting reviewed UAE's initiatives in designing a new website for countries represented in the committee. This platform aims to expand news sharing and knowledge exchange among member states. Additionally, achievements by the New Media Academy in recent years were discussed, highlighting its role in enhancing cooperation in media, digital content, gaming, and esports sectors.

The gathering underscored how crucial it is for Arab countries to adapt to rapid digital changes. By developing robust strategies and fostering collaboration, they can harness technological advancements for their benefit while addressing associated challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM