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Forum discusses media psychology and digital transformation

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KUWAIT: The 20th Arab Media Forum concluded on Monday, wrapping up a dynamic agenda with five dialogue sessions that addressed key issues shaping the regional media landscape. Topics discussed included the psychological behavior of media users, the representation of women in the media sector, and the legal frameworks governing traditional and digital media platforms.

The final day commenced with a session titled “Psychological Behavior in Media and Social Media”, featuring psychiatrist Dr Mohab Mujahid and prominent media figure Mustafa Agha, moderated by Rahaf Al-Sawalha. Speakers explored the deep intersection between media and human psychology, emphasizing the media’s powerful influence on collective awareness and emotional states. The panel examined how media content can either instill reassurance or incite anxiety, depending on how messages are framed and disseminated across digital platforms.

Dr Mujahid shed light on the rising trend of “fabricated negativity” on social media, describing it as an addictive behavior in which users intentionally provoke or shock to draw attention. Meanwhile, Agha emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, urging respect for differing opinions and discouraging personal attacks, noting that diversity of thought should foster discussion — not division.

In a session titled “Journalism… An Endless Profession”, speakers delved into the future of journalism amid rapid digital evolution. The panel featured Mahmoud Al-Mamlouk, Editor-in-Chief of Cairo 24, and Rashid Al-Hamar, Editor-in-Chief of Bahrain’s Al-Ayam newspaper, with moderation by Sultan Al-Qahtani, Editor-in-Chief of Riyadh Post. Discussions focused on the increasing challenges posed by social media’s dominance and the urgent need for traditional outlets to pivot towards impactful digital content. Al-Mamlouk underscored the fierce competition between digital journalism and social platforms, while Al-Hamar called for strategic transformations to modernize legacy media through robust social media engagement.

The third session, “Women and the Media: Mental Image and Professional Skills”, highlighted the evolving role of women in the media sector. The panel included former Egyptian Minister of Information Dr Doria Sharaf El Din, President of the Emirates Journalists Association Fadhila Al Muaini, Kuwaiti academic Dr Samar Baqer, and Lebanese journalist Lana Madwar, moderated by Emirati Dr Maya Al Hawari.

Speakers noted the significant strides made in empowering women to assume leadership roles within media institutions, crediting this shift to cultural evolution, enhanced educational access, and inclusive policy frameworks. The session also addressed how media portrayals influence public perceptions of women and stressed the need for continuous skill development amid a fast-changing media environment.

Legal and regulatory dimensions were tackled in the fourth session, “Laws and Legislation in the Media and Social Media”, held in cooperation with the Kuwait Lawyers Association. The session featured Egyptian lawyer Dr Mohamed Abu Shaqa and Kuwaiti legal expert Dr Hussein Al-Abdullah. Participants noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected across much of the Arab world, it must be exercised responsibly and in line with legal boundaries that safeguard public order and individual dignity.

The session emphasized the need for ethical compliance and respect for societal norms in digital and traditional media practices. The forum concluded with an open dialogue titled “Media: Message and Rules”, led by Islamic preacher Mustafa Hosni and moderated by Secretary-General of the Forum Madi Al-Khamis. Hosni highlighted the importance of maintaining humility and ethical responsibility in media work, stressing that professionals should remain grounded in spiritual and moral values regardless of their influence or reach.

Held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum was launched on Saturday under the theme “Media Challenges in Light of Technological Development and Digital Transformation.” The event witnessed wide participation from across the Arab world, with the United Arab Emirates honored as the guest of this year’s session. — KUNA

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Human Rights Committee session begins with focus on Gaza, regional challenges

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CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.

Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.

Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.

Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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