Governments must use social media for achieving humanitarian goals
Tolerance is the most important pillar of a nation's ethics, says George Kordahi
The UAE is a role model not only for the region but also for the rest of the world in fostering tolerance, according to George Kordahi, media presenter.
He was speaking today at a session on ‘Emphasising Tolerance Through Media’ at the 18thArab Media Forum being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the theme of this year is ‘Arab Media: From Now to the Future’.
Kordahi explained that tolerance is the most important pillar of a nation’s ethics and the UAE is a shining example in this regard, as it is the only country in the world to have a Ministry of Tolerance. The visit of Pope Francis to the UAE recently is testimony to this fact, he said, adding that 2019 being declared as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ is a commendable initiative by the government.
Media plays a great role in disseminating information and inculcating a culture of tolerance. Social media has a huge impact today. In fact, governments should increasingly use social media to spread humanitarian causes, Kordahi said.
In instances where negative information is circulated through social media, governments and authorities must curb such practices, he said and urged the audience to be more responsible. “One should analyze, understand and discard false and fake information.”
Even as social media is becoming popular, one cannot ignore the impact traditional media has in fostering goodwill and tolerance, Kordahi said. “I was fortunate to tackle people’s issues through my TV show. It was challenging work but immensely satisfying because we made sincere efforts in addressing problems.”
“Media must play a sustainable role in maintaining and spreading the message of tolerance,” Kordahi said. “Mainstream media including newspapers, television, radio, cinema and theatre groups have all stepped in to spread the message of tolerance on occasions, but it should now become the norm,” he added.
The two-day AMF organised by the Dubai Press Club will feature over 75 speakers and 200 prominent media figures representing more than 20 countries from across the Arab region and the world.
