Jeddah: The Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation News Agencies (UNA), in collaboration with the Assistant Secretariat for Corporate Communication at the Muslim World League, organized its Ramadan Forum in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During this significant event, the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) received the Media Professionalism Award.
According to Jordan News Agency, the forum saw the participation of the Director General of the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Fairouz Mobaideen, who engaged in discussions on potential future cooperation with several directors of attending news agencies. These discussions included meetings with the Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency and the European News Network.
The highlight of the forum was the announcement by UNA Director General Muhammad bin Abd Rabbo Al-Yami regarding the adoption of the Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility. The forum, titled "Media and its Role in Fueling Hatred and Violence: The Dangers of Misinformation and Bias," provided a platform for introducing this charter, which offers an ethical and legal framework aimed at guiding professional media practices.
Al-Yami emphasized that the charter also marked the launch of the inaugural UNA Award for Media Professionalism. This award seeks to recognize governmental and non-governmental entities, institutions, and individuals who adhere to professional media values. The award's goal is to enhance credibility and responsibility, promote understanding among different peoples, encourage tolerance and coexistence, and combat hate speech and Islamophobia.
The event also celebrated the second anniversary of the Document for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought. This document, endorsed by scholars near the Holy Mosque in Makkah, underscores Islamic unity, transcends sectarian divides, and embraces doctrinal and jurisprudential diversity. It builds upon the Mecca Document's principles, focusing on moderation, unity, and the prevention of extremism.
Al-Yami paid tribute to the Muslim World League, led by Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for its role as a scientific and intellectual force within Muslim communities, fostering cooperation both within the Islamic world and with other global societies.