Kuwait City: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, actively participated in the 28th meeting of the Ministers of Information of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, held in Kuwait. The UAE delegation included several prominent figures such as Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Mohammed Aldhuhoori, Executive Director of the Media Operations Sector at the National Media Office; and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Media Strategy and Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Hamed expressed a strong desire for the meeting to establish a roadmap that allows Gulf media to effectively mirror the comprehensive and sustainable development achieved by the GCC countries. He emphasized the UAE's commitment to media as a crucial partner in development, a driver of societal awareness, and a tool of soft power that contributes to shaping contemporary society and building the future.
Al Hamed highlighted the importance of strengthening media cooperation among GCC countries, emphasizing that integration is key to forming a unified Gulf voice capable of safeguarding achievements, preserving identity, and addressing challenges through balanced and responsible messaging. He stressed the need for content that reflects the uniqueness of Gulf societies and celebrates their authenticity, calling for a media narrative that tells the Gulf story and fosters a sense of pride and belonging in future generations.
He addressed the evolving media landscape, asserting the need to redefine the role of a "media professional" in an era dominated by digital platforms and accessible publishing tools. Al Hamed noted that media is no longer the exclusive domain of trained professionals due to the rise of social media, which has enabled anyone to broadcast content. He proposed that the designation of media professionals should focus on their responsibilities and adherence to ethical standards, distinguishing clearly between freedom of expression and professional journalism.
Al Hamed warned against the misuse of digital platforms, stating that unethical practices could undermine media integrity and mislead audiences. He argued that such practices erode the core values of responsible media and hinder its role in supporting societal issues and protecting cultural and intellectual security. Within this context, he proposed the establishment of unified standards for media content across GCC countries. These standards should be binding for global social media platforms to ensure that published content aligns with Gulf values and identity and prevents the dissemination of contradicting content.
He addressed the ongoing technological revolution, emphasizing the future of media beyond traditional tools like the camera and pen. Al Hamed highlighted the importance of adapting to advancements in artificial intelligence, digital content innovation, and changing audience behavior. He affirmed that the Gulf region possesses the resources and expertise needed to lead in the smart and globally impactful media industry.
In conclusion, Al Hamed invited participants to the next GCC Ministers of Information meeting in the UAE, expressing hope for continued unity and cooperation. He welcomed delegates to the 29th session, which the UAE is set to host next year, affirming that the spirit of solidarity seen in Kuwait would carry forward to the UAE.
The meeting discussed several key topics, including strengthening joint media work, coordinating positions in international forums, countering targeted campaigns, and supporting content that reinforces Gulf identity and societal values. During the meeting, GCC information ministers launched a trial version of a new GCC news agencies' mobile application. The app provides access to official news from GCC news agencies, live-streaming of GCC TV and radio channels, and archives of photos and videos, alongside each agency's social media feeds. Developed using the latest technologies and artificial intelligence, the application aims to meet Gulf audiences' needs and support digital media development and cooperation among regional news agencies.