GCC Leaders Advocate For Stronger Gulf Media Unity Amidst Challenges

Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, participated in the 27th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Information Ministers Meeting held yesterday in Doha. The meeting included the participation of GCC information ministers and was attended by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Hamed, while leading the UAE delegation, emphasised the urgency of consolidating Gulf media unity and integration amidst regional and global challenges. He was accompanied by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the NMO.

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Sheikh Abdullah stated, "There is an urgent need to unify the Gulf media discourse and coordinate among various media outlets, guided by necessary professionalism, agreed-upon principles, and a shared code of honour." He added that a modern, enlightened Gulf media should face all challenges confidently and convey a realistic picture of the GCC countries' achievements to the world.

He stressed the importance of developing joint Gulf media strategies that keep pace with rapid media developments and contribute to strengthening the position of the GCC countries on the international scene. He called for building an integrated and advanced media system.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that confronting challenges in the GCC media sector requires a clear Gulf vision, joint coordination, and a multi-stage strategy. He called for continuing to build on progress made in developing an awareness strategy for managing electronic communication networks to maximise benefits while minimising risks to new generations and traditional Gulf values.

Additionally, he emphasised fostering constructive interaction between the media and artificial intelligence. During the meeting, the UAE delegation presented several proposals for joint work.

Proposals for Joint Work

One key proposal was to establish a unified information database for GCC countries. This database would facilitate the flow and exchange of information and media content between member states, serving as a central repository for sharing media data and visual and audio materials in an immediate and reliable manner. This initiative aims to enhance media transparency and help unify media messages across different countries.

The UAE delegation also proposed conducting a comprehensive study on the future of artificial intelligence and its increasing impact on the media sector. This study aims to anticipate future trends and identify opportunities and challenges facing this vital sector.

Agenda Deliberations

The meeting deliberated on various agenda items, focusing on enhancing joint cooperation in electronic media. Key discussions included establishing regulatory controls for commercial advertising mechanisms across social media sites and platforms, initiating "Child Digital Safety" in GCC countries, and formulating a collaborative awareness plan to safeguard morals, foster socialisation, and promote Gulf values and identity.

The GCC Ministers of Information also discussed recommendations put forth by various media committees that convened recently under the auspices of the GCC. These recommendations encompass initiatives aligned with implementing directives from Gulf Cooperation Council leadership.

Enhancing Joint Cooperation

The ministers reviewed enhancing joint cooperation in radio, television, and news agencies, as well as strategies for developing Gulf media. They discussed coordinating media efforts to bolster the positive image of GCC countries regionally and internationally.

Furthermore, they examined reports from the GCC Joint Programme Production Foundation and the Gulf Radio and Television Corporation.

With inputs from WAM