Abu dhabi: Arab information ministers have emphasized the need for governments to communicate verified information more swiftly and transparently, while ensuring the independence of professional media. This call to action was made during the Arab Media Summit 2026, where the ministers discussed the critical role of timely and accurate information dissemination, especially during crises.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit's session titled 'The Ministers Roundtable' featured prominent figures such as Dr. Ramzan Al Noaimi, Minister of Information from the Kingdom of Bahrain; Dr. Khaled Zarour, Minister of Information from the Syrian Arab Republic; Diaa Rashwan, Minister of State for Information from the Arab Republic of Egypt; and Dr. Mohammad Hussein Al-Momani, Minister of Government Communication from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The session was moderated by Naoufer Ramoul, a Media Presenter at DMI.
Dr. Mohammad Hussein Al-Momani emphasized the necessity for official institutions to communicate promptly, accurately, and consistently, particularly when complete information is not yet available. He advocated for governments to address incidents as they unfold and to pledge providing verified updates, thereby preventing the spread of unverified information. He also insisted on maintaining the independence and professionalism of media organizations.
Diaa Rashwan underscored the importance of governments facilitating professional media through suitable constitutional and legal frameworks, rather than controlling it. He highlighted the erosion of professional journalism, noting how social media has shifted from being a tool for accessing news to a primary news source in some regions, which has led to an increase in rumors and inaccuracies.
Dr. Khaled Zarour stressed that trust cannot be built on speed alone without credibility. He emphasized the need to protect media freedom, advance specialized journalism, and present information in its proper context. He called for media to aid audiences in recognizing verified facts instead of merely reinforcing selective narratives or biases.
Dr. Ramzan Al Noaimi, referencing Bahrain's experience in crisis communication, stated that public trust hinges on the delivery of honest information and practical guidance, even under challenging circumstances. He pointed out that technological advances, particularly in AI, should be viewed as opportunities for enhancing news monitoring, editing, production, and content consumption analysis.
The ministers also discussed the potential for Arab media to engage international audiences more effectively. They emphasized the importance of bolstering professional skills, regional collaboration, and adopting effective communication formats for reaching beyond domestic boundaries.
Collectively, the ministers' insights suggest a unified approach to fostering trust: ensuring that official institutions provide verified information promptly, allowing professional media the freedom to critically examine and contextualize it, and leveraging technology to extend its reach without compromising accuracy.