Tehran host to information ministers of Islamic countries

Tehran, Dec 1, IRNA - The 10th Conference of Information Ministers of Islamic Countries and Foreign Diplomats opens in Tehran at a critical juncture where the Middle East is witnessing the growth of terrorism and the Western media is spreading Islamophobia. The meeting of senior media experts is slated for Dec. 1-2 and the conference of information ministers on Dec. 3-4, wrote Monday's edition of 'Iran Daily'. The confab aims to spotlight latest developments and achievements in the field of information science and media convergence. Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) is organizing the confab and is in charge of the conference’s secretariat. The main languages of the conference are English, Arabic, French and Persian and the participants have access to simultaneous translation at Parsian Azadi Hotel. The conference’s first and ninth editions were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (1988), and Libreville, Gabon, respectively. The conference’s other editions were held in Egypt (1991), Syria (1995), Senegal (1997), Iran (1999), Egypt (2002), Saudi Arabia (2006) and Morocco (2008). Cooperation Tehran’s conference is an opportunity for Islamic countries to deeply study and discuss the importance of promoting cooperation in the field of communications and information for the establishment of sustainable peace in the region. The event will promote media convergence for the establishment of peace in the Islamic world. The convergence and unity of the media of Islamic countries can help forge an impenetrable front against those who seek to threaten the region’s peace and development. The strong presence of information ministers will prepare the ground for expansion of cooperation in reflecting the facts about the Islamic world and enlighten public opinions through the media. The conference also provides information ministers with an opportunity to discuss the issue of “world against violence and extremism” proposed by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. Eruption and intensification of violence in Islamic countries not only destroy their cultural heritages, but also endanger the lives of civilians and disrupt their lives. Tehran’s conference can reveal more aspects of the region’s critical condition and its adverse consequences for the rest of the world. The media can play an effective role in raising public awareness about the threats facing the Islamic world and the gathering can help identify these challenges. The Western countries have monopolized global information networks and are using the cyberspace for their own interest. This, exacerbated by the developing countries’ lack of awareness about modern information technologies, has helped the Western media distort facts about the condition of Islamic world. The biased reflection of events and news has distorted world public opinions about Islamic beliefs, principles and practices. Therefore, the media of Islamic countries have no option but to counter this bias. It is critical that Islamic states set up a powerful organization to increase consensus and cooperation to rectify the situation. Media role No one can deny the effective role of different media outlets, including radio, television, press, Internet and private organizations, in the establishment of sustainable peace. They can play a significant role in disseminating facts and accelerating a country’s development. However, radio and television play a more significant role in raising the awareness of nations. The Western media show violent movies that affect the general mood of a society and help incite violence. Production of constructive TV programs focusing on promotion of development and peace would be an effective countermeasure. Highlighting quality content, paying attention to psychological issues, improving the quality of news presentation and modifying the methods of using films and photos could prove effective in changing public perceptions. This calls for drafting proper plans and designing appropriate programs. Private organizations can also play a very important role in this regard. They can act as a bridge connecting the people with their governments, and increase the society’s knowledge about Islamic facts. This in turn can help channelize people’s resources and energy for promoting national development and sustainable peace./end