Arab Media Forum for Environment and Development

I would like to welcome you to AMFED’s new website and take the opportunity to highlight some exciting changes at AMFED as we expand our horizens. Creating a culture of openness to change and a culture of dialogue is a fundamental cornerstone of our vision at AMFED.

As the principle vehicle of communication for information sharing, the importance of the media as an active member of the development process cannot be underscored enough. We as media practitioners have an essential role to play in communicating development issues and information to the wider public. As an experienced media practitioner, I see greater knowledge and information sharing among as many people as possible as a crucial way to take critical forward steps.

Several years of hard work have paid off and we are now leveraging our experience, resources and skills as a media organization on a regional level through our new project initiatives and services we are offering. Media consultations, which serve as a venue for dialogue, idea exchange, and action based on the input of those participating, are our signature approach—but we are constantly expanding as a center of knowledge for media involvement in development issues.

In April we will hold the launch for our flagship project, The Dialogue for Development Regional Approach initiative, which targets the media’s involvement in development issues at a regional level. This initiative aims to support the media in taking an active role in supporting greater civic participation and good governance practices, as well as addressing development issues within the media and between the media and other sectors of society through a series of media consultations. This event will drive the initiative’s direction for the next 3 years as key media figures, policy-makers, and members of civil society are brought together through the consultations to create and implement action plans on key development issues.

Furthermore, the regional initiative seeks to support a new generation of well-informed young media practitioners. This is a particularly significant time to take action as the region experiences a youth bulge, whereby including youth in development issues is more important than ever.

Above all, AMFED is functioning as an advocate for the media—encouraging greater freedoms for the media in the Arab region, and encouraging a more socially responsible approach within the media. With that in mind, we look forward to many more prosperous years and encourage each person to do their part in the development process—whether it is in one’s life, work, or family.

Sincerely,

Randa Fouad