KUWAIT HAS BEEN, WILL BE BEACON OF THOUGHT, CREATIVITY

Arab Times

3 days ago

ZHENGZHOU, China, July 26: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit called on Saturday for enhancing media and think tank roles in promoting coexistence, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding. This came in the Zhengzhou Statement issued at the summit, which kicked off last Wednesday in China, with the participation of over 400 officials and representatives from approximately 200 media outlets and think tanks. Xinhua News Agency quoted the statement as saying that the organization played a key role in fostering unity, trust, peace, and development in the region, calling on media and think tanks to act as bridges in sharing its achievements and promoting cooperation. The statement urged SCO media and think tanks to promote member states' realities, development strategies, and approaches to help resolve differences, unify visions, and protect shared interests. It pointed out that maintaining regional peace is a shared duty of SCO members, highlighting the importance of implementing President Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative to enhance global peace. The statement urged to highlight the outcomes of member state cooperation in economic integration and development, aiming to align national strategies with regional initiatives and share the benefits of progress.
It emphasized strengthening the role of media and think tanks in promoting coexistence, tolerance among civilizations, and deepening understanding and friendship among peoples of SCO countries. The statement called for defending true multilateralism and improving global governance as they are in the common interests of all parties to the SCO. It also called for promoting common human values and amplifying the SCO's voice to support unity and fairness over division and hegemony. Attendees agreed that the summit would strengthen consensus and cooperation in joint coverage, journalist training, and academic exchange, supporting development, peace, stability, and revitalization. The SCO's Media and Think Tank Summit, scheduled to conclude on Sunday, is held in preparation for the leaders' summit scheduled in Tianjin city on August 31 until September first. The delegation accompanying KUNA's Acting Director General Mohammad Al-Mannai includes Acting Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Al-Bahar and Head of Marketing and Public Relations Lamia Al-Farsi.
Meanwhile, Acting Director General of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Mohammad Al-Mannai has affirmed that the State of Kuwait continues to be a beacon of media, thought and creativity; a launching pad for many pioneering media and cultural initiatives; and an incubator of the principles of peaceful coexistence and rapprochement among peoples, embodying its firm belief in the importance of dialogue and building common bridges in international forums. In a press statement on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit, Al-Mannai asserted that 'the summit is a unique opportunity to crystallize common visions that consolidate the role of media in raising awareness and guiding public policies. The world is experiencing a critical moment, in which the pace of geopolitical and technological changes is accelerating, with the media becoming an integral part and a major player. The role of the media is growing day by day, as its credibility as a primary source of information becomes increasingly evident.' He stressed the importance of concerted efforts in overcoming current and future challenges through media partnerships, which have become crucial due to these challenges. He pointed out that the world is now in dire need of opening horizons for cultural dialogue between peoples. 'It is essential to transform our media into broad windows overlooking our unique and rich worlds by building joint media bridges that enhance the role of the media and its messages,' he added. He stated that the media landscape has undergone and continues to undergo transformation from traditional media to integrated digital platforms.
He underscored the need for sharing experiences in this field and exploring ways to invest in modern technologies like artificial intelligence to analyze data, personalize content, and improve user experience. He confirmed 'our Arab institutions are open to cooperation and developing mechanisms and methods for addressing local and global public opinions, as we believe in the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships that turn intertwined interests and the intersection of cultures into opportunities for rapprochement and a space for consolidating peace and development.' He asserted that the large Arab participation in the summit confirms this openness and reflects the pivotal role of Arab media regionally and internationally. He praised the summit's effective participation and constructive proposals, which reflect a genuine desire from all parties to strengthen cooperation among SCO member countries, and maximize exchanges and cooperation between think tanks to achieve sustainable development.
Constructive dialogue
Kuwait's Ambassador to China Jassem Al-Najem affirmed Kuwait's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at fostering constructive media dialogue and expanding cooperation between media institutions and think tanks. Speaking at the Media and Think Tank Conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Ambassador Al-Najem highlighted the importance of such conferences in strengthening mutual understanding among SCO member states. He noted the summit's focus on pressing global issues such as digital innovation, green development, sustainable growth, and cross-border cooperation, emphasizing Kuwait's readiness to expand partnerships within the SCO framework.
Ambassador Al-Najem also underlined Kuwait's 'Kuwait Vision 2035,' which includes key infrastructure projects like Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and the Northern Economic Zone to enhance regional connectivity and investment. He praised China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vital platform for global development and reiterated Kuwait's early commitment to the initiative since 2014. He also conveyed Kuwait's support for global cooperation efforts launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ambassador Al-Najem highlighted Kuwait's recent full membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and reaffirmed Kuwait's role in supporting development through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which has financed projects in over 100 developing countries. The ambassador conveyed greetings from Kuwait's Minister of Information, Culture and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al- Mutairi, wishing the summit success in strengthening regional and international media cooperation. Kuwait's delegation at the forum includes Acting Director General Mohammad Al-Mannai, Acting Editor-in- Chief Mohammad Al-Bahar and Head of Marketing and Public Relations Lamia Al-Farsi.
Building trust
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit kicked off on Friday in the Zhengzhou City of China, with the participation of Kuwait. The event saw the participation of KUNA's Acting Director General Mohammad Al-Mannai alongside experts from Arab and Gulf media entities in addition to Ambassador of Kuwait to China Jassem Al-Najem. Over 400 officials and representatives from approximately 200 media outlets and think tanks from SCO member states have attended the summit. The summit would address ways to advance international media cooperation and global cultural governance to higher levels. President of Xinhua News Agency, Fu Hua, highlighted the summit's goal to strengthen the media role in building trust, promoting cultural respect, and fostering shared development among SCO member states. He emphasized that the organization, a key platform for Eurasian cooperation, has significantly contributed to regional security, stability, development, and prosperity over the past 24 years. Fu Hua reiterated China's commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening cooperation with SCO members. He hoped the summit would foster a positive media environment, enhancing collaboration among member states. (KUNA)