Ministry of Media organizes lecture on its role in supporting national security

The Ministry of Media’s Strategy Team organized a lecture titled “Strategic Partnership and National Narrative Building: The Role of the Ministry of Media in Supporting National Security,” as part of the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Staff College program designed to prepare leaders for strategic-level roles.

This lecture, delivered by Dr. Saleh Al-Otaibi, Director of the Strategic Planning Department at the Ministry, aims to highlight the role of official media as a bridge between the state and society by disseminating verified information and clarifying official positions.

During the lecture, Dr. Al-Otaibi stated that the Ministry of Media’s role extends beyond that of a mere news or media entity; it constitutes a strategic partnership in supporting the national security system by contributing to building public awareness and strengthening trust in official institutions. He added that the Ministry’s efforts also help counter rumors and misinformation, particularly during challenges and crises, emphasizing the importance of developing media plans to unify the official narrative and coordinate with various government entities and ministries.

He clarified that the media’s role also extends to consolidating national identity and disseminating messages that support social stability and preserve national unity.

Regarding national security, Dr. Al-Otaibi noted that the concept has expanded from its traditional foundations linked to military strength and the security apparatus to encompass societal and informational security. Rapid geopolitical and technological transformations have contributed to broadening the scope of this concept.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Media supports national security in six key areas: enhancing national awareness, combating rumors and misinformation, supporting national readiness, strengthening trust in institutions, protecting informational security, and promoting Kuwait’s external image.

He also highlighted the critical role of media during security, health, and natural disaster crises, as well as regional developments, through the rapid dissemination of reliable information, coordination among relevant authorities, and adherence to media responsibility.

Dr. Al-Otaibi further emphasized the importance of partnerships between the media, government entities, civil society, private media institutions, and digital platforms, stressing the necessity of an integrated national communication system that facilitates the swift exchange of information, clarifies which authorized entities may broadcast information and its content, and ensures coordinated timing of such communications.

He explained that the Ministry of Media’s Strategy (2026–2030) aims to consolidate professional values and enhance trust and transparency by developing responsible, innovative, and sustainable digital media that reinforces national media leadership based on governance and development.

He clarified that the strategy’s message focuses on several key pillars: empowerment, partnership, intelligence, digitalization, and identity, while also embodying the values of integrity, responsibility, trust, professionalism, and innovation.