Media forum to discuss sociopolitical changes in Arab world
Diversified debate panels and activities to encourage positive attitudes on issues
Under the theme ‘New Perspectives’, the 14th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) will take place on May 1213 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the forum’s organising committee announced yesterday.
The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Expected to attract local, Arab and international media elites, journalists, intellectuals and academia, this year’s event will include diversified discussion panels and activities to encourage participants to adopt positive attitudes towards important issues related to Arab media.
The forum will host a number of prominent political figures to shed light on important topics that affect and are affected by media.
Among speakers, the AMF is hosting Dr Nabeel Al Araby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, who will speak at a session titled ‘The Arab Image’, which discusses the major sociopolitical changes taking place in the Arab world and its effects on the image of Arabs in the world.
Dr Eyad Madani, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, will also participate in a session titled ‘Stereotyping: Islam and Muslims’, that discusses the current escalating issue of stereotyping Islam and Muslims.
Springboard for media
Other prominent speakers at the forum include Shaikh Salman Sabah Al Salem Al Humoud Al Sabah, Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs; Amr Mousa, former secretary-general of the Arab League; and Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative.
While the media has proved to be a strong player in regional politics over the past five years, the forum will focus on discussing its influence on the changing political scene.
Mona Ganem Al Merri, Chairperson of the AMF Organising Committee, said: “We strive to make the forum a springboard for our Arab media to recognise its mission and stand up to the public’s expectations”.
As a new approach of discussion and dialogue, the AMF will introduce 20-minute talks by hand-picked prominent and inspirational figures who will speak on specialised topics in media, politics, innovation and technology.
The talks include a session by the Group CEO TECOM Investments, Dr Ameenah Al Rustamani, who will speak about UAE’s clear vision and comprehensive strategic plan to promote innovation in all sectors.
Dr Mustafa Barghouthi will also tackle a core Arab issue, the Palestinian cause.
Among the speakers participating are Dr Sohair Al Soukkary, US Linguistics Specialist, Dr Fatima Al Salem, professor of Journalism and New Media at Kuwait University, and YouTube sensation Zack King, known by his YouTube and Instagram alias “FinalCutKing.”
“The topics for this year’s edition were carefully chosen to address regional and international status quo and changes in a manner that matches the rapidly evolving media industry and its future trends,” said Mona.