Prime Minister's Advisor Calls for Launching an Arab Media Alliance to Address Climate and Environmental Challenges
The Cultural Advisor to the Prime Minister, Aref Al-Saadi, called on Thursday for the launch of an Arab media alliance to confront climate and environmental challenges. He also emphasized the need to establish a unified environmental media discourse based on scientific knowledge that reflects the concerns of citizens.
In his speech during the second day of the Arab Media Conference, hosted by the Iraqi Media Network and attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) reporter, Al-Saadi stated 'This important Arab conference is addressing one of the most critical issues threatening our present and future — climate change and the role of media in confronting it. Previous media conferences typically focused on combating terrorism, extremism, violence, and conflict. But thankfully, thanks to these conferences and the development this country has undergone, we are now in a stage where we can address climate change and its impact on Iraq.'
Al-Saadi added that 'the Iraqi government has long realized that climate change is no longer a simple environmental issue, but rather an existential challenge that affects national, economic, and social security. In recent years, Iraq has faced waves of drought, desertification, rising temperatures, and declining water resources, which have necessitated serious action on both the local and international levels.'
He noted that 'based on this understanding, Iraq has launched several environmental and climate initiatives, most notably the 'Green Iraq Initiative', aimed at expanding green spaces, combating desertification, and promoting renewable energy sources.'
He further stated that 'Iraq continues to strengthen partnerships with friendly countries to transfer technology, build capacities, and finance sustainable projects. Amidst all these efforts, the role of media emerges as a strategic ally in the climate battle. Media is not merely a channel for news, but a driver of awareness, a shaper of public opinion, and a partner in policymaking.'
Al-Saadi stressed, 'We, as Arabs, must establish a unified media discourse built on scientific knowledge, one that reflects the concerns of citizens and stirs collective conscience toward change.'
He called for 'the launch of an Arab media alliance to tackle climate and environmental issues through various media formats, not limited to conferences, but extending to programs involving drama, cinema, documentaries, and all forms of environmental media to enhance awareness.'
Al-Saadi concluded by thanking, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Arab brothers for attending the conference in Baghdad, the Iraqi Media Network for organizing the event, and the Arab States Broadcasting Union for its participation in supporting and sustaining the conference and fostering Arab awareness and presence in Baghdad.
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