Egypt’s State Minister of Information calls for integrated media

Egypt’s State Minister of Information calls for integrated media strategy to strengthen unity and prosperity in the Arab world
“We must immediately start developing a media strategy that facilitates closer engagement between Arab governments and citizens”

Egypt’s Minister of State for Information His Excellency Dr. Osama Heikal has called for urgently developing an integrated media strategy in the Arab world that will help strengthen unity and enhance prosperity in the region.

His Excellency made these remarks at the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum organised virtually on Wednesday by the Dubai Press Club. The Minister of Information discussed the various transformations and challenges facing the region and the key role that the media can play in the next phase.
The session was attended virtually by Chairman of the Dubai Media Council HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During his virtual address, HE Dr. Heikal said the rise of new technologies and the digital revolution are two of the most critical developments creating large-scale change in the world.

“Censorship in the media has become practically impossible no matter how much governments try. The digital space is overcrowded with digital channels and apps that are capable of significantly impacting the decision-making processes of countries. The media today not only  provides information and entertainment but also exerts significant political and economic impact.”

HE Dr. Heikal said that these developments have led to new challenges, including the prevalence of false news, misinformation and rumours, which have changed the way we engage with the media.

“In order to confront  these challenges, it is critical that the media goes through a comprehensive new development process, one that includes building human capabilities and enhancing media tools. It is equally important to address how the needs of Arab communities can be met against the backdrop of political, social and technological developments.”

Underlining the importance of building a society that is politically and socially aware, HE Dr. Heikal said: “This will ensure members of society can engage in creative thinking and constructive criticism and distinguish between rumors and facts.”

He added that the region’s people must also be equipped with the skills required to develop and disseminate news content using the tools currently available. “Ensuring members of society are well-equipped with these skills is essential to help the media promote excellence.”

Stressing on the urgent need to create positive change in the Arab world amid many transformations, HE Dr. Heikal said: “We must immediately start developing a media strategy in the Arab world that facilitates closer engagement between Arab governments and citizens.”

This strategy will help develop media institutions and strengthen communication between the media and the public, he noted. “At the same time, it must aim to bring economic and social benefits to the people by addressing issues faced by them in the region. This will strengthen Arab unity and lead us to more opportunities and progress in the future,” he said.

His Excellency further emphasised that this strategy must seek to ensure all forms of media, both traditional and new, can unite public opinion in support of sustainable development and the preservation of Arab identity.

In his address, HE Dr. Heikal thanked the organisers of the Arab Media Forum for holding an event to discuss the role of the media amidst the massive political and social transformations taking place both in the region and across the globe.

Held under the theme ‘Arab Media: The Future is Digital’, the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum saw more than 10,000 people tune in to the Forum’s sessions, which were broadcast live on a special platform set up for the Forum and through the live feature on DPC’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. The Arab Journalism Award ceremony, which honoured 11 outstanding journalists in the Arab world, was also broadcast live.

The largest gathering of media industry stakeholders in the region, the annual Arab Media Forum has provided a platform over the last two decades to discuss ideas and solutions for enhancing the progress and prosperity of the region.