The Launch of the Fifth Arab Reform Conference
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Alexandria—
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, inaugurated on Sunday, 2 March 2008, the three-day Fifth Arab Reform Conference entitled “Media, Democracy, and Social Responsibility”, organized by the BA Arab Reform Forum.
Dr. Serageldin stated in his opening speech that the BA renders the idea of reform its own constitution, with special focus on social reform including women issues and education.
He added that women and human rights were merely dreams and aspirations in the minds of intellectuals and men of letters, until sweeping currents won the battle of these rights. Thus, Arab reform would not be achieved through governments and leaders; it will be achieved by changing ourselves and our societies, and through civil societies.
He states “We are here today to discuss the relationship between democracy and the limits of freedom of press, citizenship, rights of minorities and marginalized, development of media techniques, and civil society participation in developing democratic practices”.
Seham El-Fereih, Kuwaiti Journalist and Deputy Chairperson of Arab Organization for Human Rights, gave an address, in which she stressed that freedom is a pre-requisite for human development, and media is the only means to protect freedom to access information, freedom of expression and criticism. By achieving this, we can state that Arab media is carrying out its actual role. Fereih questioned the role of Arab press in unveiling corruption, and in spreading awareness among youth on the basic issues pertaining their own societies. She also shed light on the controversy raised on the charter adopted by Arab Ministers of Communication on electronic media and open skies and satellite channels, which has its positives, but will increase the governments’ control on mass media.
Abdel Salam Mssedi (Tunisia) questioned the roots of the idea of reform and whether it is related to certain benefits, or is realized with external blessing—is reform a local or imported product!!
He added that Arab reform is based on the ability of Arab societies to prepare leaderships aware of the status quo and able to effectively carry out their aspired roles. He maintained that reform has three main parties; Arabs, International power, and Arab political systems. In conclusion, he said that the concept of civil society needs to be entrenched in our Arab world.
Mohamed Fayek, Secretary General of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, took the floor and discussed how can media be a tool to promote and increase the involvement of people in democracy. He added that media would realize its role only through an atmosphere of freedom; freedom of expression and away from the State’s dominance.
Wadouda Badran, Chairperson of the Arab Women Organization, spoke on the role and importance of media in our contemporary societies. She explained that media is not only a means of expression, it also affects and shapes the cultural convictions of a certain society, and should have a role in unveiling any flaw in the society and pushing forward the wheel of change and development.
Samar El-Marghany, young short story writer in the Arab world, gave a short address as a representative of the Third Arab Youth Forum, held at the BA, 28 February-1 March 2008, with the participation of 300 youth from 17 Arab countries. She forwarded to the participants the Forum’s final declaration, which criticized the role of Arab media, and accused it of highlighting the negatives and ignoring the positives, and called upon media to focus in its programs and channels on successful models and positive youth experiences.
It is worth mentioning that the Fifth Arab Reform Conference witnessed huge Arab participation amounting to 600 participants from all over the Arab world.