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Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility Combats Vice, Counters Hate Speech

International media solidarity stand against bias and misrepresentation regarding the Palestinian Cause (Asharq Al-Awsat)
International media solidarity stand against bias and misrepresentation regarding the Palestinian Cause (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility Combats Vice, Counters Hate Speech

International media solidarity stand against bias and misrepresentation regarding the Palestinian Cause (Asharq Al-Awsat)
International media solidarity stand against bias and misrepresentation regarding the Palestinian Cause (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The international forum themed “The Role of Media in Inciting Hatred and Violence – Risks of Misinformation and Bias,” has concluded in Jeddah, issuing the “Charter of Media Responsibility.”

The forum recommended the establishment of a unified international law to regulate media ethics. Additionally, the forum endorsed standards for responsible media practice and advocated for national and international laws to deter all forms of hatred.

The forum also pledged national and international support for enhancing the media message, raising awareness of various concepts and implications, using media as a soft power to serve humanitarian causes, resolve conflicts, and strengthen civilisational alliances among nations and peoples in countering hatred.

In a session on the role of religious institutions and leaders in combating hate speech and violence in media platforms, Father Nabil Haddad, the founder and director of the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center (JICRC), discussed an initiative he presented to Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat about the details of the initiative, Haddad stressed the duty to exert positive influence, drawing a parallel with humanity uniting against the coronavirus pandemic.

He urged a unified effort to confront the virus of hatred, asserting that in this era, the world needs peacebuilders.

The initiative he proposed calls for an alliance between Christians and Muslims to reject hatred.

Arab and Islamic history is rich with examples of harmony and concord, which should serve as a model for others, stressed Haddad.

Haddad clarified that the Christian-Islamic Alliance program, outlined in his proposal, calls for celebrating affection, incorporating discourse marked by wisdom and virtuous admonition.

He emphasized the need to collaborate by organizing seminars, conferences, and dialogues.

The goal is to bring together media professionals and religious leaders to support a media discourse centered on affection.

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Gulf

Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 

In an extraordinary virtual session held Sunday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. The council urged an immediate return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing regional tensions.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the current escalation as “unprecedented,” pointing to the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory actions.

“These developments have sharply heightened tensions in the region,” he said, warning that they “open the door to uncertain and troubling scenarios.”

Albudaiwi revealed that in light of the unfolding crisis, the GCC Emergency Management Center had been activated to monitor and respond to potential consequences, particularly those involving Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We acted swiftly and responsibly in recognition of the gravity of the situation,” he said, citing the danger of strikes on nuclear infrastructure and the potential for serious environmental and technical fallout.

Among the chief concerns raised during the meeting were the regional consequences of a broader escalation - especially any damage to nuclear sites - and the far-reaching impacts this could have on the environment, regional infrastructure, and the economic stability of Gulf states. The GCC also highlighted the risks to global supply chains, energy markets, and the security of key maritime corridors.

In a statement, the council emphasized that “until now, all technical indicators remain within safe limits,” adding that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, member states remain on high alert. “Full readiness and constant vigilance are essential in facing this volatile situation,” said Albudaiwi.

He also reaffirmed the council’s foundational values of unity, collective security, and regional stability. “The GCC was established on the principles of solidarity and joint action,” he said. “We continue to believe that stability is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.”

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, and the avoidance of military escalation.

“We renew our call to all nations and actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further military action,” he said. “The region stands at the edge of a wider conflict that could spiral out of control, with consequences no one can predict or manage.”