Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Saudi prince warns against misuse of media tools
Prince Turki Al Faisal, chairman of the board of directors of the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, has warned against the misuse of modern media and communication tools to mislead the youth.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 00:07 July 4, 2008
Riyadh: Prince Turki Al Faisal, chairman of the board of directors of the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, has warned against the misuse of modern media and communication tools to mislead the youth.
Inaugurating the First Forum of Communications and Media organised by the International Association of Public Relations here on Wednesday evening, he stressed the need for optimum use of the media in the service of the religion of Islam as well as for the benefit of humanity.
"All the means of the media should focus on this while carrying out their mission and not be a tool for serving evil designs by demonic forces," he said.
Prince Turki Al Faisal, who is also former head of Saudi General Intelligence and former ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, called for relentless efforts to prevent terror groups from misusing the media and communication tools, especially the internet, to attract young men and women into the fold of extremism.
He expressed satisfaction over the success of the Saudi security forces in foiling attempts by terror cells in this aspect to a great extent.
"Saudi Arabia is marching forward in taking Shariah as the basis to govern, to bring forth remarkable growth and development for the country, and realise the prosperity and welfare of its people. Islam calls for collective work, openness, tolerance and communication with others," he noted.
Prince Turki Al Faisal drew attention to the fact that the whole world would like to see more understanding, better interaction and peaceful coexistence.
"Media and communication tools can do more in boosting and strengthening this global mood for warm relations between various peoples. We have to make use of them more effectively in a positive manner," he said while cautioning against the misuse of media tools by the younger generation for evil purposes.
On his part, Eng Khalid Al Kaf, CEO of Ettihad Ettisalat (Mobily) who is the main sponsor of the event, said the media and communication tools are instrumental in helping international companies form a a solid strategy.
Several key figures in the fields of the media and public relations from various parts of the world are taking part in the forum.
The participants highlighted the need to review the current position of the media worldwide, and to create bridges between the media industry and academic institutions.
Addressing the forum, Dr Fahd Al Tayyash, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Society for Media and Communications, unveiled plans by his society to build partnerships between the media and communications sector with Saudi universities.
They want to establish scientific laboratories to serve the media industry, based on the pattern of such laboratories in Western countries.
"This will enable the media industry to sustain the successes made by them as well as to get scientific support for carrying out research in this vital field," he said.
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