Al-Omar for Arab Ministers of Media Council: Uniting efforts to face threats to regional security
Saudi Media Minister Omar Al-Omar called in Kuwait for enhancing Arab media integration to confront security and technological challenges.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
The Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, serving as Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, called for strengthening coordination and integration among Arab media institutions and unifying efforts to confront challenges threatening the security and stability of the region, while keeping pace with rapid transformations in the global media landscape. This came in a speech he delivered today (Tuesday) at the opening of the 23rd ordinary session of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministers of Media, held under Kuwait’s presidency at the headquarters of the Arab League.
Al-Omar emphasized that the meeting holds great significance given the developments and growing challenges facing the region, foremost among them Iranian attacks using missiles and drones targeting Arab states, in blatant violation of their sovereignty and international law, and posing a direct threat to the security and stability of the region. He considered that the continuous attacks on Saudi Arabia underscore the severity of threats facing the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity, necessitating a unified and responsible Arab stance to address any actions that endanger the security of Arab states and the stability of their peoples.
He stressed the importance of enhancing the system of joint Arab media action and leveraging coordination and integration among media institutions to ensure unified efforts, the flow of reliable information, and the countering of disinformation attempts. He stated that coordination among Arab countries represents a starting point toward a more integrated and interactive media landscape, through the exchange of expertise and competencies, expanding areas of cooperation, and unifying efforts to serve common interests.
Regarding technological transformations, Al-Omar clarified that rapid advancements have brought about profound changes in the nature of media, content production, dissemination, and consumption, with the growing role of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interactive technologies. He stressed that keeping pace with these transformations must not be limited to acquiring modern tools or using new platforms; rather, it must extend to building institutional capacities capable of innovation, qualifying media personnel, and developing more efficient and flexible production models, while adhering to professional ethics, safeguarding privacy, verifying information, and protecting trust between media and audiences.
He added that the acceleration of media platforms necessitates launching distinctive Arab initiatives and practical projects with sustainable impact, responding to the needs of the current stage, leveraging available capacities, and moving from the planning phase to actual implementation. He underscored the importance of the Executive Office serving as a supportive platform for crystallizing distinctive ideas, nurturing feasible initiatives, and encouraging joint projects that enhance the exchange of expertise, support innovation, develop Arabic content, and elevate the quality of media institutions and their personnel.
