Abu Dhabi, Nov. 17 (BNA): The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) signed the “Charter of Tolerance for News Agencies and Media” at the World Media Conference, which was held in the UAE capital on November 15-17.
The charter aims to unite media entities from all over the world around promoting tolerance, coexistence and intercultural dialogue by promoting international cooperation.
The Director General of the Tunisian News Agency, Abdullah Khalil Buhijji, said that the charter was attended by the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and the Minister of Information, Ramadan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi.
The charter was also signed by representatives of Arab and foreign news agencies and media from various countries, as they responded to a widespread commitment to focus on spreading the values and principles of human coexistence by sharing diverse news content that supports the approach.
Buhijji affirmed that “supporting, promoting and spreading the values of coexistence and peace are basic components of the approach of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.”
“It is based on His Majesty the King’s firm belief in the importance of these values in achieving development and progress for humanity. It is also a testament to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s deep history of brotherhood, pluralism and humanity for the sake of all.”
He added that the Bahraini media in all its sectors works within this royal vision, in a way that contributes to introducing the world to the unique Bahraini model of human coexistence within programs and strategies that enhance this dimension inherent in Bahraini society.
Buhejji indicated that the agency’s signing of the Tolerance Charter reflects the royal vision.
He expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Minister of Information, Dr. Ramadan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, for his interest in developing the Bahraini media to achieve higher standards.
Buhejji praised the efforts of the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in preparing a charter that enhances international cooperation in producing content that deepens the culture and values of dialogue and peaceful living.
The Media Tolerance Charter is built around the following ethical principles and commitments:
We believe that efforts to promote tolerance and acceptance of differences in religions, cultures, languages and opinions are an important part of building modern states and societies.
Believing that the media has a fundamental role in highlighting manifestations of tolerance among us and spreading its values among the masses.
Believing that the topic of tolerance deserves continuous follow-up in order to ensure peaceful coexistence between diverse identities, religions, ideologies and points of view inside and outside the borders of our countries, and we view it as a prerequisite for sustainable development, building a harmonious future and developing our civilized potential.
Agreeing to share and publish news stories related to tolerance in various formats such as print, audio, video and digital, as a course of action to inspire people around the world to live tolerant lives and promote harmonious societies.
The signatories agree that the following are among the content they will attempt to actively promote on their platforms from their partner’s platforms:
a. Stories depicting various manifestations of tolerance and coexistence.
B- Projects and initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of tolerance launched by governments and private sector entities.
C- Legislations and policies aimed at promoting tolerance and curbing fanaticism and extremism.
D- Stories that can help combat hatred, sectarianism, extremism, terrorism, exclusivity, discrimination and chauvinism.
– Highlighting, as a matter of special priority, stories that focus on the role of youth in building tolerant societies towards a brighter future.
The agreement is non-binding but is a declaration of intent, with decisions made solely at the discretion of each of the signatories.