Ashraf AboArafe
Beirut, October 29, 2025 — In a speech laden with reflection, resolve, and renewal, H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, addressed the 21st Arab Media Forum in Beirut, under the patronage and presence of President General Joseph Aoun, affirming the crucial role of media as a pillar of development and a guardian of truth amid regional turmoil.
Aboul Gheit opened his remarks by extending gratitude to President Aoun for his patronage of the event, emphasizing that such sponsorship reflects Lebanon’s enduring appreciation for the media’s responsibility as a bridge connecting leaders and citizens in the march toward comprehensive development. He also thanked Dr. Paul Morcos, Lebanon’s Minister of Information, for hosting this edition of the Forum, and Mr. Madi Al-Khamis, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum, describing him as “a longstanding partner in the Arab League’s journey toward elevating media as a tool of enlightenment and unity.”
Media and Development: A Partnership for Progress
In his speech, Aboul Gheit underscored that development must remain the foremost priority on the Arab agenda. He called on media institutions to shoulder their responsibility in raising awareness, shaping public understanding, and inspiring active participation in national development.
“Media,” he said, “is not merely a messenger — it is a partner in progress. Its mission is to connect the state with its citizens, to awaken a sense of shared purpose, and to transform development into a collective endeavor that every citizen carries as a personal cause.”
He emphasized that responsible journalism must transcend sensationalism and adopt professionalism, objectivity, and integrity as its guiding principles.
On Gaza: A Crime Against Humanity
Turning to the tragedy in Gaza, Aboul Gheit’s tone grew solemn. He described Israel’s ongoing assault as “a stain on the conscience of humanity,” lamenting that the world has watched “a genocidal war unfold before its eyes.”
“What we have witnessed in Gaza,” he declared, “is a new Nakba — a catastrophe in an age that claims to champion human rights and moral values.”
He expressed hope that the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement would mark “the end of this gruesome bloodshed” and pave the way for reconstruction and a future where “Palestinians remain steadfast on their land, defying Israel’s illusion of emptying Palestine of its people.”
He dismissed Israeli attempts to redraw the map of the Middle East through “gunpowder and blood,” affirming that “the Arab world — from the Ocean to the Gulf — will remain proudly Arab in spirit, language, and identity.”
Lebanon and the Arab League’s Stance
On Lebanon, Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the Arab League’s firm position supporting full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and complete implementation of UN Resolution 1701. He warned that Israel’s ongoing violations of the ceasefire declared in November were “a desperate attempt to destabilize Lebanon and sow division,” expressing confidence that Lebanese unity and the Lebanese Armed Forces’ discipline would thwart such schemes.
A Vision for Arab Media
Concluding his speech, Aboul Gheit envisioned a new Arab media — one that embraces technology and innovation, rejects extremism and sectarianism, and stands as a beacon of thought and creativity rather than superstition and division.
“We aspire to a media that inspires people to think, not to denounce; to create, not to conform; to critique constructively, not oppose theatrically,” he said.
“We seek media that propels our societies forward — not one that drags them back into the shadows of the past.”
With a closing wish for the Forum’s success, the Secretary-General extended appreciation to President Aoun and to all participants, leaving the audience with a resonant call:
to make Arab media not just a mirror of society — but a compass for its progress.
