The Director General of UNA praises the efforts of the Muslim World League and announces the launch of an award for media professionalism – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

The Director General of the Federation of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, Mr. Muhammad bin Abd Rabbuh Al-Yami, appreciated the efforts of the Muslim World League, stressing that it took upon itself the concerns of the Islamic peoples until it became their reference and scientific and intellectual voice.

This came in a speech he delivered during the “Ramadan Forum” organized by the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA), in cooperation with the Assistant Secretariat for Institutional Communication of the Muslim World League, in Jeddah, on the eighth of Ramadan 1447 AH, to celebrate the process of the “Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects” document on the second anniversary of its adoption.

Al-Yami began his speech by welcoming the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine Affairs and Al-Quds Al-Sharif in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Samir Bakr Dhiyab, the Minister of National Policy, Foreign Relations, Press and Information in the Chechen Republic, Ahmed Dudayev, and the directors of news agencies in the Organization’s countries.

He said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this comprehensive meeting held in these virtuous days of the blessed month of Ramadan, in the land of the Two Holy Mosques and the place of revelation, to celebrate the close process of ‘building bridges between Islamic sects.’”

He explained that the document, which was approved by the nation’s scholars from various Islamic sects from the vicinity of the Holy House of God in Mecca, came as an expression of a common determination to transcend the sectarian battlefield, and to emphasize Islamic unity with its comprehensive references and comprehensive horizon that accommodates sectarian diversity and jurisprudential difference, noting that it stems from the lofty contents of the “Mecca Document” and the foundations it laid for promoting unity and moderation and warding off the causes of division and extremism.

He stressed that whoever stands behind these qualitative efforts is the Muslim World League, that blessed organization that took upon itself the concerns of the Islamic peoples, and was their scientific and intellectual voice, and their reliable authority that clarifies to them the truth of their religion, and strengthens the bonds of cooperation between them and other peoples, and is led in all of this by its Secretary General, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, that distinguished scholar whom words fail to encapsulate. With his achievements, contributions and great efforts to reach an authentic Islamic discourse that highlights the tolerant image of the true Islamic religion.

Al-Yami stressed the pride of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries in its partnership with the Muslim World League, and the qualitative programs and practical initiatives it has yielded to support Islamic issues, promote peaceful coexistence, and combat extremist and hate speech, which has made the media, with its national agencies and international federations, an essential element and an active partner in supporting the League’s efforts and communicating its message to the world.

He added, “Perhaps your coming to this occasion from various continents of the world is the best evidence of the strength of this partnership, and of our common determination to move it toward new horizons.”

In the context of celebrating the document, he referred to what it stipulated regarding media responsibility, as it stressed the importance of a media discourse that promotes brotherhood and cooperation among the components of the nation, corrects misconceptions, and confronts campaigns insulting to Islam, while urging Muslims – especially in non-Islamic countries – to represent the truth of their religion.

He stated that these directives are consistent with the core of the professional principles of the media, which are based on ensuring accuracy and taking into account the higher goals related to the unity of the nation and preserving the image of Islam.

He also touched on the “Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility,” which was adopted during the international forum “The Media and its Role in Fueling Hatred and Violence: The Dangers of Misinformation and Bias,” to be an ethical and legal reference for controlling media practice.

He explained that the charter included the announcement of the “OIC News Agencies Union Award for Media Professionalism,” allocated to governmental and non-governmental bodies and institutions and individuals committed to professional values.

Al-Yami announced the launch of the first edition of the award, to be a qualitative addition to the international media scene, enhance the values ​​of responsibility and credibility, and encourage media professionals to contribute to bringing people together, spreading a culture of tolerance and coexistence, and confronting hate speech and Islamophobia.

At the conclusion of his speech, he expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the headquarters country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its wise leadership, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, for their continued support for the union, within the framework of the Kingdom’s support for joint Islamic action.

He also thanked, on behalf of those present, the Muslim World League, represented by the Assistant Secretariat for Institutional Communication, for its firm belief in the pivotal role of the media and its institutions in the success of serious moves to enhance communication and understanding between peoples.