In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Mr. Talal Al-Haifi, Chairman of the Arab Media Excellence Award Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Committee Members,
I am pleased to welcome you to the second meeting of the Arab Media Excellence Award Committee, convened for its ninth edition at the League of Arab States.
This meeting is held in accordance with the award's governing statutes to review the nominations submitted by member states and media-related organizations, and to select the most outstanding entries in adherence to the established criteria and conditions, guided by the principles of transparency and integrity. The committee will also select distinguished media figures whose work has left a significant impact on the Arab world, to be honoured for their contributions.
This edition is convened under the theme "Arab Youth and New Media," in light of the spread of social media and its multifaceted applications across production, professional, service, and media sectors particularly among young people. These platforms have evolved into arenas for free expression, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year's Arab Media Excellence Award takes place amid the unfolding developments of the Palestinian cause, in the shadow of ongoing Israeli aggression against the beleaguered Gaza Strip, a tragedy that has claimed thousands of lives and left countless others wounded, disabled, or missing. The humanitarian catastrophe has been deepened by widespread destruction, starvation, and the crippling of essential infrastructure, notably in the health, education, and social sectors.
In solidarity with Palestinian journalists who continue their vital work under perilous conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, I would like to recall that the fourth edition of the award in 2019 was themed "Jerusalem in the Eyes of the Media," highlighting the spiritual significance of this usurped city. Likewise, the eighth edition was dedicated to documenting the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In line with the responsibilities entrusted to the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Information Ministers within the Media and Communications Sector, as outlined in the Award's bylaws, the General Secretariat commenced its duties by compiling all nominations submitted via the permanent delegations of member states. The submissions were categorised according to the Award's specified fields, with any entries falling outside the Award's scope excluded. This process has ensured a streamlined and effective arbitration for this committee.
Following the announcement of this edition's theme last September, the Media and Communications Sector engaged with permanent delegations, as well as organizations and unions holding observer status at the Council of Arab Information Ministers, to promote the edition's theme across Arab media outlets and on the League's official website. This was further amplified by public statements issued by the sector head. These efforts broadened participation, resulting in the receipt of approximately 145 entries by the General Secretariat, spanning television, radio, print, and digital media productions. Specifically, 30 television entries, 37 radio productions, 43 print media works, and 31 digital media productions were nominated.
This is respectfully presented to your committee to assist in selecting the most distinguished works with the utmost professional impartiality, objectivity, and fairness.
May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
