Algerian Minister of Communication, Mohamed Bouslimani, emphasized the need for intensified Arab media coordination to present a strong and effective discourse that defends common Arab interests, particularly the Palestinian issue. Speaking at the 56th session of the Arab Ministers of Information Council in Cairo, Bouslimani highlighted the importance of a unified media strategy to address current and future challenges. He stressed that the Palestinian issue remains the central concern for Arab media.
Bouslimani called for a comprehensive media plan to highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people and convey their legitimate rights to the global public opinion with credibility and honesty. He also emphasized the need to mobilize Arab media against violations committed against the Palestinian people and expose them to the international community. This includes systematic incursions by occupation authorities and attacks by the Israeli army and settlers in Palestinian villages and cities.
The Algerian minister stressed the importance of monitoring and evaluating the "foreign media action plan" and supporting the work of the Arab Electronic Media Committee. He described these as cornerstones for preparing plans, building Arab narratives, and correcting stereotypical images, as well as protecting Arab digital and intellectual space in the international electronic environment. Bouslimani also highlighted the challenge facing Arab media in producing content that reaches and influences the convictions of others on Arab issues.
Bouslimani pointed to Algeria's efforts to limit violent extremism and terrorism through a multifaceted approach. He also mentioned Algeria's endeavors to enhance the presence of these issues in the national media landscape, in line with commitments related to the unified Arab plan for media engagement. This includes aligning national efforts with the Arab Vision 2045.
In the field of digital media, Bouslimani called for adopting a unified Arab strategy to deal with major digital media companies and international platforms. This aims to protect Arab interests and societal values by preparing a negotiation plan with these companies based on a strategy of parallel tracks. He also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and integrating digital rights related to artificial intelligence into immediate negotiation priorities.
Regarding the use of artificial intelligence in media, Bouslimani indicated that Algeria's communication sector vision is based on the principle of adopting AI applications as tools to support journalistic work and enhance the efficiency of journalists. He emphasized that Arab coordination is essential for transitioning from digital consumption to technological sovereignty, ensuring the place of Arab media in the world.
Bouslimani praised the steps taken to enhance Arab-Chinese cooperation in the field, describing it as a strategic partnership that contributes to exchanging experiences and localizing modern technologies. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in bridging cultural and cooperative gaps between China and the Arab world, especially in the face of rapid changes in the international system.
Key points
- Algeria calls for a unified Arab strategy to deal with digital media companies and international platforms.
- The Palestinian issue remains a central concern for Arab media.
- Arab coordination is essential for transitioning from digital consumption to technological sovereignty.
