Cairo: The General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo hosted a significant forum titled “The Role of Media in Promoting a Culture of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence.” The event, held on Thursday, underscored the importance of media in fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence amidst global challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, the forum was organized in line with a cooperation protocol signed in 2024 between the Arab League’s Media and Communication Sector and the Union of OIC Broadcasting and Television Organizations in Cairo. During the opening session, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League, highlighted the forum’s theme as a testament to the commitment of regional organizations in combating hate speech and rejecting violence and exclusion.
Khattabi mentioned that the initiative aligns with United Nations objectives, relevant human rights declarations, protocols, and General Assembly resolutions, including the designation of a global day to combat hate speech. He recalled a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution, proposed by Morocco, which was unanimously adopted to advocate respect for religious symbols and promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
He also pointed to the collaborative efforts of the Arab League and OIC media institutions to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza, attributing the situation to an asymmetric war fueled by Israeli extremist groups. Khattabi called for a global humanitarian response to immediately halt the killings and starvation in Gaza, emphasizing a need for adherence to human values and international humanitarian law.
Khattabi stressed that the media’s role in countering hate speech is increasingly significant with the rapid growth of social media platforms. While these platforms democratize communication, they also serve as channels for spreading hate speech. He urged for cooperation among governments, legislative bodies, civil society, educational institutions, media outlets, and religious and intellectual leaders to comprehensively tackle this issue, positioning media as a vital player.
Furthermore, Khattabi emphasized media’s fundamental role in the universally recognized human rights system. It is pivotal in shaping societal awareness, promoting peace, tolerance, and respect for cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity, without conflicting with spiritual values or international agreements.
He advocated for viewing diversity as a source of enrichment rather than conflict or discrimination against minorities and marginalized groups. Khattabi reaffirmed the Arab League’s dedication to deepening tolerance, brotherhood, and pluralism, citing Article 8 of the Arab Media Honor Charter, which rejects all forms of intolerance.
In conclusion, Khattabi highlighted the importance of abstaining from broadcasting or publishing content that incites hatred, extremism, violence, terrorism, or undermines the rights, beliefs, or religious symbols of others.