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Arab News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
German-GCC dialogue in Berlin explores pathways for stronger ties
What does the future hold for German-GCC relations, and how can cultural cooperation and policy dialogue further strengthen ties? This question was debated during the seventh annual German-Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation in Berlin on June 23 and 24. The forum was jointly hosted by the German-Arab Friendship Association, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, and The Diwan Kuwait. Under the honorary chairmanship of Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the two-day event brought together leading representatives from the Gulf and Germany for in-depth dialogue and exchange. During our cultural diplomacy roundtable, I highlighted the urgent need to nurture collaboration through culture — a bridge that endures even when official dialogue stalls. The discussion began by acknowledging the long-standing historical ties between Germany and the Gulf, dating back to the mid-20th century. The Gulf's own international cultural initiatives, such as the Arab Cultural House in Berlin, demonstrate the region's commitment to intercultural dialogue. Sports and artistic exchanges were also cited as successful examples of recent German-Arab collaborations. Another notable example is the newly announced partnership between the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, focusing on long-term cooperation in the museum sector. Yet, as discussed at the roundtable, cultural policy often remains absent from most European high-level agendas, overshadowed by immediate security and economic concerns. Recent funding cuts in Germany and other European nations signal growing concern for the cultural sector, taking a toll on cross-border cooperation. This was evident in the tone of the speeches at the forum, which highlighted the urgency of concrete actions ranging from institutional partnerships to community engagement. "The essence of cultural diplomacy is the creation of a shared zone or meta-space for human contact and cultural exchange.' A recurring theme from our discussion was education, which is a key tool for developing intercultural competences. The conversation also turned to the role of media, both traditional and digital, in shaping cultural perceptions. Modern cultural diplomacy often intersects with digital diplomacy. In Germany, social media is a primary source of news, influencing how the Gulf states are viewed and vice versa. These platforms have become a reflection of modern society's collective mindset. The essence of cultural diplomacy is the creation of a shared zone or meta-space for human contact and cultural exchange. But I believe there is still a limited understanding of how the digital environment can strategically foster mutual trust and long-term relationships. While some strategies emphasize the need for macro-level initiatives, others promote micro-level activities to build mutual respect and coexistence, reflecting the diverse pathways to promoting intercultural understanding. The role of cultural knowledge, including knowledge of certain values and norms, helps to facilitate successful communication. This might call for the creation of a unified cultural curriculum that is co-developed between nations and taught in schools — a curriculum that emphasizes language learning, intercultural understanding, and shared human values such as tolerance and moderation. It would offer an inclusive tool and space for nations to tell their stories and share their history. Reflecting on the forum, several topics emerged that are particularly relevant to current global affairs, including youth empowerment and environmental sustainability. As a way forward, it is critical that we push for multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring together diverse expertise and resources to build stronger links between nations. What resonated throughout this forum, and was unanimously agreed upon during our roundtable, is that governments play a crucial role in this process. By investing in research and supporting institutions that encourage constructive dialogue and mutual learning, they can help shape a more connected and empathetic global community. This could include making strategic use of public-private partnerships and multilateral initiatives. Through these aligned efforts, Germany and the Gulf nations can strengthen their cultural ties and promote impactful, long-term collaboration. • Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @ GhadahWA
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Justice and media: How to move from duel to duo
In a context where judicial cases are increasingly being reported in the media, the relationship between judges and the press is marked by major tension due to their differing approaches. How can one reconcile the duty of discretion required from some with the freedom of expression granted to others, while preserving the confidentiality of the cases and the dignity of those involved? All this while still guaranteeing the public's right to information, free from pressure and prejudice? At a symposium titled 'The Judge and the Media,' held on Monday and organized by Justice Minister Adel Nassar under the high patronage of President Joseph Aoun, and in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, about 20 figures from the political, legal, judicial and media spheres — including French academics — tackled the issue and proposed avenues for reform. The event took place at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut and was attended by MPs, judges, journalists and lawyers. Speaking on behalf of Aoun, the justice minister recalled that 'a judge's duty is to guarantee freedom of expression,' while emphasizing that 'this freedom cannot be exercised without the obligation to avoid defamation.' Media freedom 'excludes attacks on the dignity of judges and rendering judgments in the place of the courts,' Nassar added. In the same vein, the President of the Higher Judicial Council, Souheil Abboud, condemned 'media trials that infringe on private life,' while the head of the Beirut Bar Association, Fadi Masri, stated that 'judgments cannot be rendered in the street, on social media, or by the media,' underscoring 'the presumption of innocence.' This position was shared by Mireille Najm, a member of the Constitutional Council, who regretted 'judgments being pronounced before verdicts are officially delivered.' Hervé Lecuyer, a professor at Paris II, cited the recent cases of French actor Gérard Depardieu, accused of sexual assault, and the president of the National Rally, Marine Le Pen, who was sentenced in the court of first instance to two years in prison and five years of ineligibility. Some media outlets issued judgments against Depardieu early on, even though his trial is still ongoing; similarly, Le Pen's ineligibility had been widely debated in the media well before her conviction. The Head of the Lebanese Judges Association, Najate Abou Chacra, investigative judge at the military court, noted that when it comes to the dynamic between media and judiciary, the media 'is more powerful' because 'it has access to the people.' Former Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm spoke of 'a radical opposition' between the two professions concerning timelines. 'The judiciary works on a long timeline; it requires patience, silence, serenity, nuance (...), rationality (...), research and reflection. The media, on the other hand, operate in a logic of immediacy (...), of the spectacular, of emotion, and sometimes of Manichaeism,' she said. As another difference, the HJC president highlighted the 'difference in working methods.' 'The judge is armed with the law and the principles of a fair trial, avoiding interaction with the media, while the media rely on secret sources, sometimes unreliable or biased,' he said. In any case, 'there must be a balance between the freedom of information and the protection of individuals targeted by the media,' said Nassar, while Youmna Fawaz, an investigative journalist, stated that 'the judiciary must work with the executive branch to strengthen the protection of journalists,' emphasizing the important role of the media in a democratic society. They are 'the first whistleblowers of justice,' added Najm. The debate also focused on the judges' duty of discretion, within which the former president of the Lebanese Judges Association, Faisal Makki, had been prosecuted in 2022 for speaking live on television without prior authorization. Makki stated that it was only after Judge Ayman Oueidate took charge of the Judicial Inspection Authority on March 27 that his case was closed without further action. In this regard, Valérie Dervieux, a judge at the Paris Court of Appeal, noted that French judicial syndicates have the right to communicate. Similarly, prosecutors can 'speak about ongoing procedures,' as long as they provide 'objective information (...) in order to counter rumors and false information. What solutions? The justice minister advocated for the creation of a communication department within the HJC. On this point, his opinion is in line with Randa Kfoury, honorary president of a chamber at the Court of Cassation, who supports the idea of 'a specialized communication service, tasked in particular with explaining the reasons behind the lengthy time taken to issue a decision, or with announcing hearing and judgment dates.' 'To better protect potential witnesses, it should not be the judge handling the case who communicates this information,' she said. Mounir Younes, a journalist at L'Orient-Le Jour, for his part, said he is awaiting the law on the independence of the judiciary, which is currently being reviewed by a parliamentary subcommittee chaired by MP Georges Okais, who was present at the event. This law would help reduce political interference in the judiciary, which would then be shielded from media criticism. ' Although such a law cannot come into being without the active contribution of the political establishment, ' said Issa Goraieb, editorialist at L'OLJ, who also advocated for 'a law on cyber information.' Okais recommended drafting new laws concerning the print media court and organizing judicial justice, as the current laws date back to the 1960s. He also stated that the new information law will be based on 'responsible freedom, creating a national regulatory authority and cleansing the journalism profession.' Benoît Dumontet, a lawyer and director of Haute École des avocats conseils (HEDAC) in France, emphasized the need for 'detailed reasoning in judicial decisions in the face of media criticism.' This solution was also supported by Kfoury, who additionally proposed teaching media communication to judges, as well as specialized legal training for journalists.
