Launch of the First Arab International Center for Combating Media Disinformation

Sultan Al-Hawsani, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Press and Media in the Netherlands, announced that the organization has officially launched the first independent, non-profit international Arab center to combat media disinformation (ICCMD). This strategic move aims to enhance media integrity, consolidate a culture of verification, and develop professional solutions to address the challenges of media disinformation in the digital age. He emphasized that the center’s launch responds to the accelerating challenges facing the global media landscape by creating an international platform that unites media expertise, contributes to the development of studies and professional standards, builds capacity, and strengthens international cooperation to protect information credibility and support responsible journalism.

In line with the organization’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and institutional leadership, the first board of directors for the center was appointed. It is chaired by Issa Al-Shaiji, President of the Bahrain Journalists Association, and includes a distinguished group of Arab media leaders holding senior positions in prominent media and journalistic institutions: Dr. Younes Mejda, a media sociology expert and President of the Nahj Foundation for Studies and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Araimi, President of the Omani Journalists Association; Tariq Al-Mu’ayyad, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Journalists Association; Fadila Al-Ma’ayni, President of the UAE Journalists Association; Rabia Hussein Maki Al-Jumaa, Board Member and Director of the Kuwait Journalists Association; and Fawaz Ahmed Al-Sulaiman, Executive Director of the Bahrain Journalists Association.

The formation of the board reflects the organization’s dedication to leveraging the expertise of Arab media professionals who possess a strong professional and institutional track record in leading journalistic and media institutions, thereby enhancing the center’s ability to build effective partnerships and develop initiatives with regional and international impact.

The center will operate as an international platform specialized in monitoring and analyzing media content, verifying information, developing professional guidelines and standards, preparing specialized studies, research, and reports, implementing training and capacity-building programs, and fostering collaboration with media, academic, research institutions, and international organizations. These efforts aim to consolidate media integrity, strengthen trust in information, and support professional journalism based on accuracy, transparency, and independence.

Issa Al-Shaiji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation, stated that the launch of the center represents a strategic step toward building a specialized international platform that enhances media integrity, consolidates a culture of verification, and supports responsible journalism in the face of the rapid challenges facing the global media landscape. He expressed his honor in leading a board comprising a distinguished group of Arab media leaders with solid professional and institutional expertise, which will enhance the center’s ability to fulfill its mission and build effective partnerships at both the regional and international levels.

He added that the center will focus on developing professional solutions, preparing specialized studies, research, and reports, developing professional standards and guidelines, implementing training and capacity-building programs, and strengthening collaboration with media, academic, research institutions, and international organizations. These activities aim to consolidate a culture of verification, enhance trust in media content, and support professional journalism based on accuracy, transparency, and independence.

The organization confirmed that the launch of the center marks the beginning of a new phase of international institutional work, based on building partnerships, exchanging expertise, and developing professional initiatives, all of which contribute to enhancing media integrity, consolidating a culture of verification, and supporting more responsible and credible professional journalism.

**Board of Directors Formation:**

- **Mr. Issa Al-Shaiji** – President of the Bahrain Journalists Association – Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Dr. Younes Mejda** – Media Sociology Expert – President of the Nahj Foundation for Studies and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Araimi** – President of the Omani Journalists Association – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Mr. Tariq Al-Mu’ayyad** – Secretary-General of the Jordanian Journalists Association – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Ms. Fadila Al-Ma’ayni** – President of the UAE Journalists Association – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Ms. Rabia Hussein Maki Al-Jumaa** – Board Member and Director of the Kuwait Journalists Association – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

- **Mr. Fawaz Ahmed Al-Sulaiman** – Executive Director of the Bahrain Journalists Association – Board Member of the International Center to Combat Media Disinformation

**Provisions of the Resolution:**

- The Chairman and members of the Board of Directors shall commence their duties and responsibilities from the date of this resolution’s entry into force, and shall enjoy all rights, obligations, and authorities stipulated in the center’s statutes for the duration of their membership.

- The work of the center’s founding committee shall conclude from the date of this resolution’s entry into force, and all its competencies, files, documents, records, and assets shall be transferred to the center’s Board of Directors.

- The Secretary-General of the International Organization for Press and Media – Netherlands – is tasked with taking all necessary measures to implement this resolution, complete the commencement of the center’s operations, and prepare for the start of its operational activities.

- This resolution shall take effect from the date of its issuance, and all previous decisions conflicting with it are hereby repealed.