Beirut: TRENDS Research and Advisory participated as a strategic partner in the 21st Arab Media Forum, held in Lebanon's capital. The event was held under the theme: Media and Development: Partners of the Present and Allies for the Future. The opening ceremony was attended by several Arab Ministers of Information, political, academic, diplomatic, media, and artistic figures from across the Arab world.
According to Emirates News Agency, TRENDS, in cooperation with the Forum, organized the first session of the 21st edition under the title 'Arab Media at the Heart of Sustainable Development'. The session featured a distinguished group of senior Arab ministers, officials, media professionals, and intellectuals. Speakers included Dr. Hamza Al-Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic; Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of the State of Kuwait; Dr. Noufal Abu Raghif, Chairman of the Media and Communications Commission of the Republic of Iraq; and MP Georges Adwan, Chairman of the Administration and Justice Committee in the Lebanese Parliament.
The speakers agreed that free and responsible media are the cornerstone of sustainable development in the Arab world. They emphasized that freedom and creativity are driving forces of economic and social progress, affirming that development cannot be achieved without media that keeps pace with reform, bridges divides, and contributes to shaping a shared Arab vision.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, emphasized that the theme, Arab Media at the Heart of Sustainable Development, reflects the transformation in understanding the role of media, from being a transmitter of news to becoming an active partner in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of empowering the media to fulfill its developmental role through an advanced legislative and institutional environment.
Dr. Hamza Al-Mustafa affirmed that Damascus is entering a new transitional phase toward pluralistic and professional media. He stated that free and responsible media is the cornerstone for launching sustainable development in Syria. Dr. Saad Al-Barrak noted that development cannot be achieved without the foundation of responsible freedom, pointing out that the decline of freedoms in the Arab world poses an obstacle to growth and progress.
Dr. Noufal Abu Raghif stated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without free and responsible media capable of supporting public policies. He explained that Iraq has faced challenges in combating disinformation, prompting regulatory and legislative initiatives. MP Georges Adwan stressed that free media is a prerequisite for any genuine developmental process. He noted that Lebanon is drafting a new media law that keeps pace with digital transformations.
In parallel with the forum's sessions, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed inaugurated the TRENDS Research and Advisory knowledge pavilion within the exhibition held alongside the Arab Media Forum. The pavilion attracted wide attention and high praise from visitors, showcasing analytical and knowledge-based studies on regional and global issues.