Media and Promotion of Culture of Understanding .. Seminar at Abu Dhabi Book Fair

See - Sada Elbalad

05-05-2025

Mohamed Mandour
As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Media and the Promotion of a Culture of Understanding and Dialogue.'
The seminar featured Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), and Mr. Abdel Latif El Menawy, journalist and writer.
The speakers emphasized the importance of upholding media ethics and cultivating responsible discourse rooted in the values of tolerance and coexistence—particularly in light of the growing challenges posed by the dissemination of hate speech across both traditional and digital media platforms.
Opening the seminar, Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi stated, 'Today, we are fully aware of the importance of media and its unprecedented influence in shaping public opinion, especially in this era of rapid technological advancement.' He added, 'Words are not merely means of expression—they are a responsibility. A single word can incite conflict or build awareness and peace. Therefore, those who choose to work in the media must recognize that they bear a growing human and national responsibility.'
Al Hammadi noted that the greatest challenge in countering hate speech does not lie solely within traditional media institutions such as television and newspapers, but rather in the vast online space, which remains open to millions of users without clear professional or ethical guidelines.
He stressed that the media professional's duty is to stand against waves of misinformation and negativity by promoting truth and reinforcing a sense of responsibility.
He further affirmed that 'UAE media presents a unique model, characterized by its commitment to spreading a positive discourse that reflects the spirit of tolerance upheld by the wise leadership, and that fosters dialogue and unity without discrimination between members of society, regardless of their nationality or religion.'
He added that media is a vital tool for building bridges of communication among people and cultivating a culture of moderation, and that the public's engagement with media content is the true measure of a writer or journalist's success in delivering their message.
For his part, journalist Abdel Latif El Menawy explained that with the evolution of communication tools, every individual today has become a content creator and influencer. The power of words has multiplied, and the public sphere is now accessible to all. 'In this context,' he said, 'we must work to ensure that words become a common ground for understanding—not a tool for incitement and division.'
El Menawy commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its efforts in advancing a culture of understanding and dialogue, citing the Document on Human Fraternity signed by the late Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
He remarked, 'This historic document could not have been created without the profound human and spiritual qualities of both signatories. It is one of the most important documents of modern times and deserves effective mechanisms to ensure its global implementation and sustainability.'
He concluded by stating that media is not a magical instrument but rather a reflection of societal awareness. It has a direct influence on shaping beliefs, and we urgently need to spread positive narratives, institutionalize models of dialogue, and support initiatives like the Document on Human Fraternity across all environments—even those that appear resistant or closed to the other.
The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council's mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity.
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