In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate 

Ladies and gentlemen —

At the conclusion of this forum, I wish to thank all of you here. Thanks to your deep belief in the purpose of this forum, you have contributed to making these two days a space for constructive, free and responsible dialogue.

Our Gulf and Arab nation are blessed with many strategic and material advantages. We are even more blessed with a human wealth that is our true treasure: one we all have a responsibility and even a duty to care for and preserve, so that they make the best use of their skills and capabilities. That is our path to achieving our legitimate goal of sustainable human development.

As our Arab countries progress with ambitious plans to modernize education and scientific research, it is senseless to allow some satellite channels to destroy what we are building. It is a media requirement and a national duty to protect our youth from the influence of the indecent programs and materials contrary to public morals and ethics that are broadcast by some satellite channels. It is a challenge that concerns the whole of society.

Ladies and gentlemen—

Any ambitious reform project that aims to build young and aware generations is based on two basic pillars: the family unit and the educational institution. However, in light of the current technology and information revolution, family and education alone cannot succeed without the help of the media.

If we encourage serious media to participate in awareness-raising and development, and if we support its mission to complement the role of the family and educational institutions, then we must not allow some destructive satellite channels to destroy the solid moral and social pillars of our societies, nor to hinder their legitimate scientific and educational ambitions. How can educational institutions instill scientific awareness while such channels numb young minds, distancing them from their society, their origins and their roots?

We are proud of our cultural roots, values ​​and ideals because they represent our identity. Likewise, we are keen and determined to benefit from the scientific and technological boom. We are open, through all constructive media outlets, to the cultures and civilizations of others — influencing and being influenced without the slightest hesitation or notion of inferiority.

Responsible media, ladies and gentlemen, presents good and honorable role models to follow and imitate, not the distorted images that creep into the imagination of our youth through rogue channels. These take advantage of their empty lives, filling them with strange, imported programs that have no connection to our civilization. These imported and distorted media materials, laden with values ​​other than our values, customs other than our customs, and morals other than our morals, allow for blind imitation without understanding the serious consequences.

Imitation is not wrong if it is of a reliable role model, and imitation is not reprehensible if it follows a good habit or rational behavior. Imitating grows from the wisdom that our religion has urged us to follow. Imitating is required — as long as we consider it a means to empower our nation and create a better future that will make it an influential actor regionally and internationally.

Ladies and gentlemen—

It is in the region’s interest to expedite the elimination of the prevailing media illiteracy, which is no less dangerous than educational illiteracy.  Because of this media illiteracy, viewers no longer distinguish between good and bad, or know how to choose what to watch and what to avoid. 

It is complex illiteracy: the illiteracy of those who present irresponsible media, and the illiteracy of those who engage with it. I call for concerted Arab efforts to eradicate media illiteracy, through the implementation of school and training workshops. 

Today, the media has moved well beyond official and satellite television broadcasting with the advent of electronic channels with amazing technical speed. This has led to a wide technological and media gap between the generations, which must be bridged.

I am optimistic, however, because of the comprehensive approach, at this forum, with which you addressed the various aspects of the legal, economic, social and educational problems. We have accumulated scientific and practical experience that can be relied upon by decisionmakers, or when we formulate and crystallize our work methodology. I look forward to the implementation of the suggested recommendations. I am also certain that many hands in our Arab countries and societies will reach out to you for cooperation, because the issue you are addressing is very serious. 

We cannot stand by idly, because we are all aware that the media has become directly responsible, like the family and school, for building and strengthening values.

It is true that:

If we, as nations, lose our morals, then we, as nations, will be lost.

Peace be upon you.