The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has welcomed journalists and
media commentators from across the Middle East and North Africa
to its second UK-Arab Commentators Forum, as part of the UK’s
commitment to ever-increasing ties with partners in the region.
This year’s Forum represents a key moment in revitalised
collaboration and dialogue between the UK Government and MENA
media professionals.
The Forum brings participants together from the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Sudan,
Morocco, and the OPTs.
Participants will gain an insight into the social, economic,
cultural, and political structures of the United Kingdom. They
will also participate in academic seminars highlighting current
trends and challenges in the media profession, including digital
approaches to news and information.
The FCO is partnering with Cardiff University School of
Journalism to deliver workshops and seminars that address current
issues that affect media institutions and government.
Minister for the Middle East and North Africa said:
It was a pleasure to meet journalists and commentators from
across Middle East and North Africa for the UK-Arab
Commentators Forum. The UK remains an active and responsible
global player, championing our values and mobilising global
action on the issues that matter to us all – from conflict and
climate change to human rights and free trade.
We organise this gathering not only to recognise the importance
of journalism, and to emphasise our support for media freedom,
but also to help strengthen the relationships between us. We
value our friendships across the region.
Executive Director for Government Communications said:
I am delighted that we are hosting influential commentators
from across the Middle East and North Africa and look forward
to our continued collaboration together. I hope that the
programme of events and masterclasses will play a role in
building our collective understanding of global issues such as
tackling disinformation and countering terrorism.
Richard Sambrook, Professor of Journalism and Director of the
Centre for Journalism at Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and
Cultural Studies, said:
Cardiff University is delighted to partner with the FCO in
hosting this forum and sharing our expertise in Journalism and
Media. It is increasingly important that we all share our
insights in an increasingly complex international media
environment.
