President of ASBU: Media Plays a Vital Role in Promoting Positive Behavior to Support Environmental Policies
The President of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Mohammad Fahd Al-Harthi, affirmed on Thursday that the role of the media as a soft and influential power extends beyond shaping public opinion to promoting positive behavior and supporting sustainable environmental policies.
In his speech at the Fourth Arab Media Conference in Baghdad, attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) reporter, Al-Harthi said 'It gives me great pleasure at the outset of my speech to welcome you to the fourth edition of the Arab Media Conference, which is being held for the first time outside its host country, Tunisia, in the city of Al-Rasheed, Baghdad, the cradle of civilization and a beacon of arts, sciences, and literature.'
He added, 'This conference comes at a time when environmental challenges are intensifying, and there is a real need for collective efforts to confront the threat of climate change, which has become one of the gravest threats facing humanity.'
Al-Harthi expressed, on behalf of the Arab States Broadcasting Union, deep appreciation and gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of Iraq for their warm hospitality and generous reception, saying 'This is not unusual from Iraq and its people. I would also like to thank the Iraqi Media Network for its initiative in hosting the Arab Media Conference in Baghdad and for providing all necessary support and facilities. Special thanks go to the President of the Network, Abdul Karim Hamadi, and his team for their efforts in ensuring the success of this event.'
He noted that 'climate change is no longer a scientific matter confined to laboratories or conferences; it has become a reality we live with daily, from extreme weather changes, wildfires, and rising temperatures to water scarcity and sea-level rise.'
'This reality poses a real threat to humanity and affects social, humanitarian, and political dimensions,' he continued, emphasizing that 'in the face of these challenges, media plays a vital role as a soft power, not only in shaping public opinion, but also in promoting positive behaviors, supporting sustainable environmental policies, and encouraging societal dialogue on the essential issue of protecting our planet.'
'When we discussed the theme of this conference, we could have chosen more sensational political or economic topics,' he said, 'but we insisted on addressing climate change due to its importance and sensitivity. We must admit that media has not given this issue the attention it deserves, nor have we fully understood its seriousness. According to the World Economic Forum, climate change effects could result in the deaths of 14.5 million people and losses amounting to $12.5 trillion by 2050.'
He pointed out that 'our region, the Middle East, is experiencing temperature increases above the global average, posing serious risks of desertification, drought, and water scarcity. Our reality is difficult, and media must rise to the level of these challenges.'
Al-Harthi added, 'There are positive developments, such as the 'Green Middle East Initiative' and the 'Saudi Green Initiative' launched by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. These strategic initiatives aim to mitigate the impact of climate change, establish infrastructure to reduce emissions, and protect the environment, which will positively impact the region.'
He expressed hope that 'this conference will issue a document or charter for environmental media that outlines key principles for this topic, including mechanisms for verifying facts and information especially in an age of widespread misinformation—and presenting scientific content that is suitable for all audiences and age groups.'
Al-Harthi stressed 'the importance of leveraging digital transformations, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and virtual and augmented reality to deliver simplified and accessible content to the public.'
'Our goal from this conference is not merely to discuss how to cover climate change news,' he said, 'but to become active partners in change and in building awareness. The climate change battle cannot be won unless everyone is part of the solution, not part of the problem.'
Despite the current challenges and future risks, he concluded, 'I am fully confident that through collaboration between public and private media institutions, government bodies, international organizations, civil society, research centers, and universities, we can address this issue and develop an advanced Arab media vision aligned with this reality.'
'Our responsibility as media professionals is no less than that of policymakers and decision-makers,' Al-Harthi emphasized, 'for the beginning of change lies in creating awareness. This conference and similar initiatives are messages of action—choosing hope over regret, and building optimism and change for our present and for the future of the coming generations.'
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