Beirut: Lecturers at the Arab Media Forum that commenced on Wednesday emphasized the necessity of a transparent media to enhance investments in the Arab world and achieve the desired sustainable development. During a session themed "the media role in creating a relevant environment for economic development," discussions centered on the media's capacity to influence economic landscapes.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Director General of the Institute for Planning, Dr. Adel Wuqayyan, highlighted the existing gap between legislation and the rapid development of financial and investment products. He cautioned against the spread of inaccurate information that could mislead investors and undermine confidence in the economy. Dr. Al-Wuqayyan stressed that investors require "a clean and reliable media" to mitigate risks, pointing out that social media platforms are often filled with fake news and intentionally misleading information.
Ali Hassan Khalil, Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwaiti Financial Center, supported the notion that media can foster a suitable investment environment by disseminating facts and accurate information. Lebanese media figure, Albert Kostanian, added that media should focus on broadcasting figures and indexes within the realm of economic reporting.
In another session titled "in the heart of sustainable development," former Kuwaiti minister of oil and minister of state for economic affairs, Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, emphasized the need for "responsible freedom" to enable media to contribute positively and effectively to development. He noted the significant freedom enjoyed by the Kuwaiti media but advocated for reducing the dominance of official media in the Arab world.
The 21st session of the forum began in Beirut earlier today, under the theme "the media and development, partners of the present, an alliance for the future." The event is sponsored by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abulgheit, both of whom attended the opening session.