Under Resolution 51/205, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 17 December 1996, 21 November was designated as World Television Day.
On this occasion, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Sector at the League of Arab States, affirmed the significance of this day, which commemorates the inaugural World Television Forum convened under the auspices of the United Nations. This recognition underscores the vital contribution of television in delivering news, spreading knowledge, providing education and entertainment, and shaping public opinion. Ambassador Khattabi noted that with over 80 percent of households globally owning a television, this medium exerts a profound influence on educational, social, and intellectual development. It plays an indispensable role in promoting local media, strengthening national cohesion, showcasing cultural heritage and diversity, and advancing the goals of sustainable development, while also fostering dialogue between civilisations.
Ambassador Khattabi extended heartfelt congratulations to television professionals and content creators for their dedication to the advancement of Arab media. He commended the essential role of visual media in reporting and analysing developments in the Arab region, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza and Lebanon.
He further underscored the importance of intensifying cooperation and joint production within the Arab framework to enhance expertise, facilitate programme exchanges among member states, and embrace digital transformation through the adoption of emerging professional technologies. Ambassador Khattabi highlighted the need for strengthened partnerships and collaborative programmes between media organisations and unions operating under the umbrella of the League of Arab States and their international counterparts, to foster greater openness and innovation in the media landscape.
