Your Holiness Pope Tawadros II,
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Mark,
Dr. Muhammad Al-Duwaini,
Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif,
Representing His Eminence the Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb,
Your Excellency Ambassador Álvaro Iranzo Gutiérrez,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Arab Republic of Egypt,
Dr. José Manuel,
President of the Spanish Radio and Television Foundation,
Director of the World Programme at UNESCO,
Your Excellency Dr. Major General Ismail Abdel-Ghaffar,
President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport,
Dr. Sami Taye,
Chairman of the UNESCO Alliance for Media and Information Culture, the Arab branch,
Distinguished guests,
It's a pleasure to announce the commencement of this significant event — the Conference on Media and Information Culture and Global Understanding — under the theme "Peace for All." I'm delighted to welcome this diverse assembly of experiences, all gathered here to foster communication and mutual understanding among peoples.
Today, we come together to underscore the vital role of media and information literacy in cementing global peace and promoting understanding and tolerance among nations.
The proliferation of social media, in its myriad forms, has made news and ideas more accessible to everyone, be they moderate or extremist. Studies have shown that extremist ideologies spread rapidly and extensively in this digital age. Therefore, fostering an information-literate culture among individuals to navigate this constant influx of information has become a pressing necessity.
Information culture is fundamentally rooted in education, as quality education equips individuals with the critical thinking skills needed to discern misinformation and targeted rumours.
The message conveyed by this conference holds immense significance, as it addresses the contemporary crisis where distinguishing between misinformation or falsehoods and verifiable truth has become increasingly challenging. Education stands as the primary barrier against falling prey to extremist messages or those inciting hatred, by enhancing media literacy among citizens. It enables individuals to steer clear of extremist narratives and fosters tolerance, thereby promoting civilised and peaceful coexistence among cultures.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the core of a culture of tolerance lies the acceptance of others and their diverse ideas and ways of life. If extremism and fanaticism thrive on ignorance, then tolerance flourishes through knowledge — knowledge of oneself and understanding of others.
It falls upon religious and media institutions, particularly in our Arab countries, to propagate a culture of tolerance and denounce hate speech. Religion, especially in our region, serves as the bedrock of individual value systems and shapes one's worldview from an early age. If discourse emphasizes respect for differing beliefs and ideas, these values permeate the prevailing culture and are embraced by society. Conversely, if discourse centres on self-aggrandisement and the exclusion of others, it breeds extremism and societal isolation, inevitably leading to violence.
I affirm that Egypt's religious heritage, both in Islam and Christianity, epitomises tolerance in its foundational principles. It embraces cultural diversity and has fostered centuries-old traditions of coexistence — a heritage of which we are rightfully proud. It is incumbent upon us to instill these values in our children and build upon them for the betterment of society.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the League of Arab States, we firmly believe that investing in the empowerment of youth and emerging talents is paramount to securing the nation's future. Through initiatives like this conference, we aim to cultivate critical thinking skills among young people, enabling them to engage with media in a positive and responsible manner.
The League of Arab States operates as a comprehensive system dedicated not only to political endeavours but also to the cultivation of Arab expertise. The efforts undertaken by institutions like the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport play a crucial role in this effort.
Furthermore, the General Secretariat endeavours to foster communication and interaction among diverse civilisations, aiming to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts. This is achieved through collaboration with Arab and international entities in this realm. The General Secretariat also prioritises combating all forms of racial discrimination and incitement to violence based on race or religion. It has developed a unified Arab strategic plan for the Alliance of Civilisations, aiming to facilitate dialogue between different cultures and harness human potential to achieve common Arab objectives in this domain. Notably, the General Secretariat highlights the Palestinian issue as a poignant example of contemporary racism. The strategy programmes are continually updated to align with global developments and challenges.
As you are well aware, Arab-Spanish relations hold a unique significance, deeply rooted in history, notably exemplified by the golden age of Arab civilisation in Andalusia — a beacon of tolerance and cultural harmony. In line with this legacy, the League of Arab States has forged a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish government, fostering high-level engagements aimed at bolstering exchanges across various domains, including culture and education.
Furthermore, the establishment of the "Arab House" in Madrid and Cordoba stands as a testament to Spain's commitment to fostering understanding and knowledge about the Arab world. As the League of Arab States, we are keen on expanding cooperation channels with the Arab House, and we anticipate the development of several joint programmes in the near future.
In conclusion, I urge all participants to consider this conference as an additional catalyst towards our shared objectives of promoting a culture of tolerance, mutual understanding, and civilised coexistence founded on principles of respect, equality, and justice.
May our discussions be fruitful and constructive.
Peace, blessings, and mercy be upon you.
