The international forum titled "The Media and Its Role in Fuelling Hatred and Violence: The Risks of Misinformation and Bias" continues in the city of Jeddah, attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Authority Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the General Supervisor of Official Media in the State of Palestine, Minister Ahmad Assaf, alongside numerous ministers, Islamic and international media leaders, and a distinguished group of ambassadors, religious, intellectual, and human rights figures, and leaders of international organizations.
This forum is held under the close partnership between the Assistant Secretary-General for Institutional Communication in the Muslim World League and the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents an independent specialized body within the framework of common goals.
During the opening session, there were direct interventions from several journalists from the Palestinian territories, who spoke about the reality of journalism amidst Israeli aggression, and the challenges faced by journalists in fulfilling their professional duties. A short film was also presented on the role of media in shaping public opinion, and in forming societal awareness either negatively or positively.
The forum’s discussion sessions continued, with the first session addressing "The Role of Institutions and Religious Leaders in Combating Hate Speech and Violence on Media Platforms,” while the second session tackled "Bias and Misinformation in International Media: The Palestinian Issue as a Model." The third session focused on "Ethical Responsibility in International Media," and the fourth session discussed "Religious and International Media Alliances to Combat Hate Speech and Extremism."
Additionally, on the sidelines of the forum, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Assistant Secretary-General for Institutional Communication of the Muslim World League and the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The agreement was signed by the Union's Director-General Muhammad bin Abdul Rabbi Al-Yami and the Assistant Secretary-General for Institutional Communication of the League, Abdul Wahab Al-Shahri.
