UAE Elected To Executive Office Of Arab Information Ministers Council, Strengthening Media Cooperation
The UAE has secured a position on the Executive Office of the Arab Information Ministers Council. This decision was made during a meeting at the League of Arab States' General Secretariat in Cairo. The UAE's election underscores its pivotal role in fostering Arab media collaboration and shaping collective media strategies.
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, leading the UAE delegation, attended the 55th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers. The event took place at the General Secretariat in Cairo, with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, present. Al Hamed expressed that this election reflects trust in the UAE's contributions to enhancing joint Arab initiatives and developing supportive legislative frameworks.
Al Hamed emphasised that Arab media's responsibilities extend beyond traditional reporting. It now serves as a development and stability force, bridging reality with aspirations. He highlighted the Arab Media Code of Honour as a crucial ethical framework for unifying media practices based on truth and fairness.
The Code is not just a document but a tool for professionalism and responsibility. Its recent amendments reinforce that Arab media should promote stability and social cohesion rather than cause confusion or division. Al Hamed stressed redefining digital media relationships on professional grounds, given its influence on public awareness.
Al Hamed advocated for a unified Arab vision balancing expression freedom with content responsibility. This approach aims to protect against misinformation and restore Arab media's competitive presence through knowledge-driven platforms. He highlighted the importance of the Arab Electronic Media Committee as a platform for shaping policies and anticipating digital risks.
He called for deeper cooperation to address digital challenges and achieve long-term positive impacts. Addressing terrorism, he noted that combating extremism is an awareness battle, as extremist groups exploit digital platforms to spread harmful narratives.
Role in Countering Extremism
Al Hamed stated that Arab media plays a decisive role in dismantling extremist propaganda by promoting human values that reject extremism. This responsibility requires unified messaging, institutional cooperation, and advanced technological tools to detect extremist campaigns early.
Strengthening capabilities among Arab media professionals is essential for excellence. Al Hamed noted that rigorous training, improved production tools, and an environment rewarding creativity are necessary for achieving this goal.
Technological Advancements
Discussing advanced technologies' impact on media, Al Hamed said artificial intelligence drives transformation but tests institutional adaptability rather than threatening it. Machines enhance performance while humans provide vision and meaning.
He stressed responsible technology use with safeguards for privacy and transparency to prevent misuse turning media into algorithmic spaces without soul. Al Hamed concluded by urging information ministers to share insights on advancing Arab media at December's global BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE delegation included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, and Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi. The 55th session discussed various topics like the Palestinian cause, electronic media, environmental media, professional quality development, strategic engagement with global companies, and integrating modern technologies.
With inputs from WAM
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