ABU DHABI: Media organisations are responsible in reporting and educating the public on the climate crisis to raise awareness on the catastrophic risk posed by climate change.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Independent Climate Change Accelerators president and chief executive officer Sheika Shamma Sultan said climate change is a real threat to humanity as this planet is already showing sign of its effects.
“As journalists, producers and content creators, you shed the light on the stories that matter. Stories that stay in people’s hearts and minds. Stories that ring about change. There is one story in particular for every agent (media), that is the story of climate change.
“Educating people about the difference they can make for sustainable choices in their daily lives. Holding organisations to account for their climate commitments and shining spotlight on the game changing innovation that could propel us into a net zero future,” she said.
She said this in her keynote speech at the Global Media Congress 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) here on Tuesday.
On a similar note, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan said media personnel possess the opportunity and responsibility to inspire hope and optimism for success in meeting the challenges of climate change.
On the issue of climate change and global warming, he said the role of the media is pertinent as to support the goals of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 28) that will take place in the UAE at the end of this year.
“You (media) have the power to promote, explain and raise awareness of useful actions in your communities and around the world.
Nahyan also said despite the role of the technology advancement in shaping the future of the media industry, he said the most important element in the media is the content created, not the technology used.
Meanwhile, Emirates News Agency (WAM) director-general Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi said the second-edition of Global Media Congress this year, gathered various media personnel, companies, brands and students from 172 countries.
He said the congress offered opportunities to media personnel and stakeholders to highlight issues that is beneficial in the field of media industry.
The agenda during the three-day event starting Tuesday, includes conferences on themes namely sustainability; innovation and technology in media; youth, education and future of media, media roundtables and workshops. – BERNAMA
