Jeddah, Feb. 26 (Petra) – The Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation News Agencies (UNA), in cooperation with the Assistant Secretariat for Corporate Communication at the Muslim World League, held its Ramadan Forum in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) was honored with the Media Professionalism Award.
The Director General of the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Fairouz Mobaideen, attended the forum and held discussions on future cooperation with several directors of participating news agencies, including meetings with the Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency and the European News Network.
UNA Director General Muhammad bin Abd Rabbo Al-Yami announced the adoption of the Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility during the forum titled "Media and its Role in Fueling Hatred and Violence: The Dangers of Misinformation and Bias." The charter provides an ethical and legal framework to guide professional media practices.
Al-Yami noted that the charter also included the launch of the inaugural UNA Award for Media Professionalism, recognizing governmental and non-governmental entities, institutions, and individuals committed to professional media values. The award aims to promote credibility and responsibility, foster understanding among peoples, encourage tolerance and coexistence, and counter hate speech and Islamophobia.
The forum also marked the second anniversary of the Document for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought. Endorsed by scholars near the Holy Mosque in Makkah, the document reaffirms Islamic unity, transcends sectarian divisions, and embraces doctrinal diversity and jurisprudential differences. It builds upon the principles of the Mecca Document, emphasizing moderation, unity, and prevention of extremism.
Al-Yami highlighted the role of the Muslim World League, led by Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, as a scientific and intellectual voice for Muslim communities, strengthening cooperation both within the Islamic world and with other societies globally.
//Petra// AJ
