Hammamet, January 16, 2025 – The 44th session of the General Assembly of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) officially commenced on Wednesday in Hammamet, Tunisia, under the leadership of Saudi Arabia. The session, which will span two days, brought together key stakeholders from the Arab media sector, including the President of ASBU and Chief Executive of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA), Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, and ASBU Director-General Abdelrahim Suleiman. They were joined by heads of Arab media bodies within the union and leaders of various delegations, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in the media landscape.
In his opening remarks, Al-Harthi highlighted the significance of this gathering, describing it as an important platform for fostering unity and enhancing collaboration between regional and international media institutions. He emphasized that the General Assembly provides an invaluable opportunity for media organizations across the Arab world to align their efforts in addressing the shared challenges facing the sector. Furthermore, Al-Harthi stressed that the goal of these collective efforts is not only to overcome obstacles but also to realize common goals that will ultimately benefit the societies they serve, reinforcing the vital role media plays in shaping public discourse and advancing development.
The session saw robust discussions surrounding ASBU’s activities over the past year, with participants reviewing the progress made on key projects and initiatives. The Assembly also set the stage for important upcoming events and initiatives for 2025, aiming to build on the successes of previous years while tackling emerging challenges in the media and broadcasting sector. The deliberations also covered areas such as technological advancements, media regulations, content development, and cooperation between Arab and global media organizations.
As the ASBU session unfolds, it is clear that the union remains a pivotal force in the Arab world’s media sphere, working toward strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that Arab media continues to play an influential role on the global stage. With the ever-evolving media landscape, the outcomes of this session are expected to shape the future direction of broadcasting and media relations across the Arab world in the year ahead.
