Beirut: TRENDS Research and Advisory will participate as a strategic partner in the 21st Arab Media Forum, scheduled from 29th to 30th October at the MEA Training and Conference Centre in Beirut, themed “Media and Sustainable Development: Partners of the Present – Alliance of the Future.”
According to Emirates News Agency, TRENDS’ involvement underscores its dedication to fostering integration between media and development, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and scientific research in empowering Arab journalism to actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On the forum’s opening day, TRENDS will organize a special session titled “Arab Media at the Heart of Sustainable Development,” and will host a knowledge corner to present its latest research publications and specialized studies in media, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
Dr. Al-Ali stated that the strategic partnership with the Arab Media Forum aligns with TRENDS’ vision of bridging scientific research with the media sector. He highlighted that Arab media have a significant opportunity to enhance their developmental role by adopting a knowledge-based discourse founded on credible information and rigorous analysis.
The forum’s agenda includes panel discussions and events bringing together Arab ministers of information, experts, and academics to examine the relationship between media and development from various perspectives. Key topics include “The Role of Media in Creating an Enabling Environment for Economic Development,” “Art in the Service of Development” with participation from prominent Arab artists, “Depiction of Development in Arab Media: Reality and Aspirations” with former Arab information ministers, “The Impact of Fake News and Misinformation on Development” in collaboration with UNESCO, and “Media and Development: From Theory to Practice – Start with Yourself.” An open discussion titled “Toward an Arabic Media Charter Supporting Sustainable Development” will also be featured.
Furthermore, the forum will offer a youth and media training program, covering subjects such as digital media in the age of AI, managing news platforms, and utilizing social media to promote development goals.