Media is key partner in nation's building and development process

Sheikh Mohamed also pointed out that the Emirati and Arab media hold historic responsibility to report the truth about extremism and violence forces and to expose their evil ideas to protect the Arab and Islamic communities.

He added that it is also a cornerstone of any successful strategy to counter terrorism and the forces that support or justify it, since these forces are mainly depend on the media to promote themselves and try to access to the hearts and minds of the Arab and Muslim youth to undermine the security, stability and unity of these societies.

Sheikh Mohamed called upon journalists, writers and intellectuals to continue their role in addressing the dark ideologies and its fanatic references and working to correct the negative image caused by the terrorists and those who call for violence and extremism in the Arab and Islamic societies to the outside world through emphasising consistently that the behaviour adopted by this deviant group does not represent, at all, the true image of our religion as well as to build communication bridges with the world to spread the true values of Islam's that promote tolerance, peace, love and coexistence among all mankind.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reiterated that what increases the importance of the role played by professional and national media is the current chaos in the media landscape in the Arab world in light of the bad use of platforms of social media by some forces to threaten the security of communities and abuse their values and privacy, as well as spread of sectarian, religious and ethnic broadcasters that raise causes of conflict among the people of one country.

He noted that "Hence, there is an urgent need for a balanced and moderate media that provides positive media content that builds rather than destroy, and addresses minds before the emotions as well as promotes values of coexistence and moderation rather than encourages intolerance, violence and racism."

Sheikh Mohamed said that the media in all its forms plays an important and influential role in the building process of communities intellectually, culturally and even behaviourally, noting to the multiple and growing role of media and journalists in dealing with the latest developments and events through addressing them in accordance with responsibility and deep understanding of consequences.

He also called for a continued attention to be paid for building Emirati media cadres who can lead the national media and make it capable of entering into real competition at the Arab, regional and global levels as well as to absorb the rapid developments in the media field at the international level in terms of technology and content so as to reflect the UAE's comprehensive renaissance in all walks of life.

Sheikh Mohamed also expressed his confidence in the ability of national media to address the evolving developments in the media sector at the global level so as to be an important source of the UAE's overall development.

On their part, journalists extended thanks and appreciation to the prudent leadership for setting the principles of dialogue and meeting and interacting with the institutions operating in the country and exchanging transparent dialogue with them, adding that this approach enhances media work and represents a positive energy to perform its enlightenment message while addressing all vital issues of concern to the community.

Source :WAM