Tunis, Tunisia, January 15, 2025 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia chaired the 112th Executive Council meeting of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), which was held in Hammamet, Tunisia, with the participation of member states and the presence of ASBU President, Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Harthi. This high-level gathering brought together key figures from across the Arab world to discuss the future of Arab media cooperation and explore avenues for advancing the role of media in promoting development, unity, and regional identity.
In his address at the meeting, Al-Harthi emphasized the critical importance of strengthening collaboration among Arab media outlets in order to effectively address regional development challenges and amplify the voices of Arab nations on the global stage. He noted that the meeting represented a significant milestone in unifying the media efforts of the member states, with a clear strategic vision focused on preserving and highlighting Arab identity, promoting shared values, and keeping pace with the rapidly changing dynamics of global media. Al-Harthi underscored that the union's efforts should remain relevant to the evolving needs of Arab societies while contributing positively to the international media landscape.
A key part of the discussions centered on the establishment of sustainable financial mechanisms for ASBU’s continued growth and operational flexibility. Al-Harthi highlighted investment initiatives that would serve as long-term financial resources for the union, including the creation of a specialized company to act as ASBU’s investment arm. This move is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of ASBU's projects and ensuring that the union remains a powerful force in shaping the media landscape across the Arab world.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to review ASBU’s accomplishments over the past year, evaluating the challenges faced by Arab media outlets and exploring opportunities for investment to bolster media integration and cooperation. Discussions included the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Arab Media Conference, set to take place later this year in Iraq. The conference is expected to serve as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the capacity of Arab media organizations to meet the demands of a rapidly changing media environment.
In conclusion, the meeting reinforced the importance of continued joint efforts to achieve the ASBU’s goals, elevating the status of Arab media on the global stage. The delegates agreed that these efforts are essential not only to promote a positive and accurate image of the Arab world but also to contribute to the growth and development of media in the region, ensuring that Arab media can continue to serve its audiences effectively and make meaningful contributions to the global media ecosystem. The discussions at this pivotal meeting underscored the union’s commitment to empowering Arab media, fostering regional cooperation, and ensuring that Arab voices are heard and respected worldwide.