GCC Secretary General: Media is the first line of defence in the battle for awareness

Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stressed that the media is no longer merely a channel for conveying events. It has become an essential partner in shaping awareness, building thought and protecting societies. He said the media is at the forefront of the battle to shape public perception, safeguard minds and build societal resilience capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai, Al-Budaiwi said rapid digital transformation, the artificial intelligence revolution and the ability to deliver news to millions within seconds have coincided with growing challenges. These include disinformation, hate speech and attempts to influence societies. He said this increases the responsibility of media organisations to verify information, combat disinformation and strengthen public trust. He explained that the Arab Media Forum has kept pace with major developments in the sector since its launch in Dubai in 2001. Its discussions have evolved from traditional media issues and professional freedoms to wars, crises, digital transformation and social media. More recently, the focus has expanded to artificial intelligence, content creation and the future of media. He added that the launch of the Arab Media Summit in 2024 marked a new milestone, bringing Arab media forums, awards and initiatives under one umbrella. Gulf media Al-Budaiwi stressed that the GCC journey, which began nearly 45 years ago, was not limited to political, economic and security cooperation. It was accompanied by a media effort based on the awareness of Gulf leaders of the importance of responsible media. He said media has played a key role in supporting development, strengthening Gulf identity, enhancing social cohesion and highlighting the achievements of joint Gulf action. He explained that the GCC's Joint Media Cooperation Strategy for 2023-2030 aims to develop shared Gulf media content that reflects the realities of member states and their cultural values. The strategy also seeks to raise awareness, protect morals, reinforce Gulf values and identity, and strengthen international media cooperation through partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries. He stressed that the strategy is founded on the principle that media is "an investment in intellectual security, social cohesion and sustainable development". He added that it also supports the development of a Gulf media discourse capable of addressing both regional and international audiences and presenting Gulf positions in a balanced manner. This comes at a time when the GCC has become a trusted regional and international partner with a growing global presence. Confronting disinformation Al-Budaiwi said the crises experienced by the region have demonstrated that "media readiness is an integral part of the national security system, and not an appendage to it." He noted that recent challenges, accompanied by campaigns of disinformation, distortion of facts and attempts to confuse public narratives, have highlighted the need for rapid and coordinated Gulf mechanisms to address misinformation. He pointed out that GCC information ministers held an extraordinary meeting on March 9, 2026. During the meeting, they stressed the importance of developing a common vision to strengthen Gulf media cooperation. They also called for practical mechanisms to confront misleading media campaigns and make better use of traditional and digital platforms to communicate the voice of GCC states and present facts to the world with credibility and transparency. He added that Gulf media organisations have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and responsibility during crises. They have played an important role in conveying facts, countering rumours and communicating directly with the public. He said these efforts have helped strengthen public confidence in institutions and their ability to manage events effectively. A unified voice Al-Budaiwi called for stronger Gulf media cooperation based on a shared vision. He urged the development of more effective mechanisms to counter misleading media campaigns and promote a clear Gulf voice through traditional and digital platforms. He stressed that combating disinformation is no longer the responsibility of a single media organisation. It requires ongoing coordination, rapid response capabilities and fact-based narratives. He said there is strong alignment between the objectives of the Arab Media Summit and the GCC's vision for developing professional, modern and influential media. Such media, he said, should raise awareness, convey the truth and support development. He highlighted the summit's role in supporting digital transformation and connecting Arab media with international best practices, while preserving the professional and ethical standards that define the media profession. Al-Budaiwi concluded by stressing that growing regional and global challenges increase