Strategic Recommendations to Enhance the International Presence of Arab Media: Outcomes of a Discussion Panel Sponsored by Arab and International Media Institutions

The Kuwait Journalists’ Syndicate, in cooperation with the International Academy of Arab Scholars, and under the supervision of the Global Forum for Journalism and Media (GFJM), held an important discussion panel attended by Dr. Hany Khater, President of the International Forum for Journalism and Media in Canada. The panel addressed the current state of Arab media in developed countries, the challenges it faces, and ways to enhance its presence and influence on the international stage.

The panel concluded with several key recommendations reflecting a deep awareness of the necessity to reshape the Arab media’s global role. The most prominent can be summarized as follows:

1. Activating Arab and Islamic media content
Participants emphasized the importance of enhancing media content related to the rich Arab culture of science and knowledge, and the values of Islam, contributing to a balanced and accurate image of Arab and Islamic societies, away from negative stereotypes.

2. Attracting influential Arab figures internationally
The panel recommended attracting influential Arab personalities worldwide to join the forum, including prominent media figures such as Youssef, due to their wide influence and ability to reach a diverse international audience, thereby enhancing the forum’s presence and its role in global media impact.

3. Establishing a multilingual media platform
Recommendations called for the creation of a multilingual platform or e-newspaper dedicated to publishing Arab news with professional and objective reporting, combating fake news and misleading media campaigns, while adhering to professional verification and fact-checking standards.

4. Organizing international media events
The panel stressed the importance of holding media events in Europe and Canada to support Arab and Islamic causes, expose biased media practices, and produce media flashes and short documentaries that address Western audiences in a professional and contemporary style.

5. Addressing the Arab League for support and sponsorship
Participants recommended contacting the Arab League to explore ways to sponsor and support international organizations concerned with Arab affairs, including the Global Forum for Journalism and Media (GFJM), enhancing their institutional presence and supporting their media mission internationally.

The panel concluded by emphasizing that the current phase requires an Arab media that crosses borders, adheres to professionalism, keeps pace with digital development, and possesses global influence tools, alongside joint work between institutions, syndicates, and media forums to achieve this strategic goal.