The 12th Conference of the Information Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) started today in Istanbul, during which the presidency of the conference was transferred from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Türkiye at the beginning of the opening session. Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi delivered a speech in which he conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and their best wishes for the session. Dr. Al-Qasabi underlined the challenges the world is witnessing which call for coordinating all efforts among the OIC countries to confront them, calling for the development of a road map with clear mechanisms based on trust to advance joint Islamic action. Türkiye's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, President of the Meeting, highlighted the challenges faced by the member states, and said "There is a great responsibility on the shoulders of the conference, especially since media misinformation is on the rise and generates great problems, in light of the difficulty of accessing the truth in the whole world." Meanwhile, OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, said this session which is being held under the theme "Combating Disinformation and Islamophobia in the Post-Truth Era", will discuss the challenges facing the media sector and its infrastructure in the member states of the organization, as well as review the media discourse directed to the other through traditional media and modern media channels and social networks. He added that the session will also discuss several issues, including the Palestinian cause and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, in addition to the importance of shedding light on the member states of the African continent, as well as the project to launch OIC's International Award to honor the media and media professionals in promoting dialogue and tolerance and intercultural harmony. He pointed out that what warrants consideration is the continued growth of the phenomenon of terrorism and the rhetoric of extremism, which has found its way to some societies in the member states, and its impact on the youth category, noting that the media institutions and media outlets affiliated with the OIC and the member states should face challenges through a convincing speech, and to publish news that inspires hope rather publishing news that frustrates the masses and pushes them to despair and despondency.
