Dubai: The 16th edition of the Arab Media forum (AMF) kicked off on Monday at Madinat Jumeirah under the theme “Civil Dialogue”.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, started the day discussing the role of media in their own environment and worldwide, pointing out the importance of constructive dialogue and its influence on public opinion.
She referred to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai’s approach when conversing with public through social media.
“He makes announcements and informs the public of certain decisions directly through social media,” she said.
Al Kaabi also called on youth to ask questions and start debates on challenges their facing. She discussed ways that universities, schools and the society can encourage investigative journalism among youth.
The forum is hosting a number of prominent media leaders, scholars and writers, who have gathered to discuss the role of media in promoting civil dialogue through highlighting the important elements of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect.
They will also discuss ways to overcome display of racism, hatred and prejudice.
Over 3,000 participants and experts in the media industry will also be attending the two-day summit held on Monday and Tuesday under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad. The forum is being organised by Dubai Press Club.
This edition’s programme includes a series of discussion sessions related to the vicissitudes in regional affairs and the importance of enhancing civil dialogue between the Arab nations.
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The forum is also featuring “20 minutes” interactive sessions that will tackle more specialised topics.
In one of the main sessions, the “Arab image in the West” report, a survey on the American opinion of Arabs, conducted in partnership between Dubai Press Club, Arab News daily and YouGov and will see Shamma Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs launching a media initiative for Arab youth.
Shaikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, will present the keynote address at the opening plenary session on the second day while Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority will present a session titled “Constructive Dialogue”.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, will speak at a panel discussion on “The Silk Road”. The session will be moderated by business news presenter in Al Arabiya News Channel Nadine Hani who will discuss the role of business in enriching civil dialogue between nations.
Among the side activities announced this year is a donation drive for Syrian refugee children. The initiative called We Write for Syrian Children aims to help educate Syrian children in refugee camps and improve their access to education.
