First regional conference of its kind in the Arab world:Free media for development [Archives:2003/666/Front Page]

Sanaa, September 6 – On Saturday 13 September, a three-day regional conference on “The role of free Arab media in economic development” is to start in Sanaa with the aim of introducing a project to build a bridge between Arab governments and free media towards achieving greater economic development in the Arab world.
The conference, which will be organized by Yemen Times in cooperation with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, will be an opportunity to introduce ideas, programs, and proposals of allowing a liberal and open media sector to assist governments in taking the right decisions that would promote economic development and prosperity. One way according to Mr. Walid Al-Saqqaf, Editor-in-chief of Yemen Times is through “allowing the free media to evaluate the economic situation openly and indicate the cases of mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency in the state that hinder economic progress”.
Among the topics to be tackled will be the need for professional and transparent economic media which would focus on investment and economic indicators transparently to reflect the true picture of economies of Arab countries. Another topic would be on the need to bring to the attention of Arab government the role free media could play in supporting the economy if given the margin of freedom necessary.
“In a time the Arab world is focusing on the economy and development, I can see that this conference will indeed be a step forward in achieving partnership between governments and the media when it comes to enhancing strengthening Arab economies.” said Dr. Mohammed Abdulmajeed Al-Qubati, the Head of the Political Office of the ruling party the General People's Congress.
Representatives from several Arab countries will be participating in the event, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. A number of informal activities will also be arranged during the three days of the conference.
To register and participate in the conference (subject to availability), you can call Yemen Times on (01) 268661 before September 10 during working hours.
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