Counselor Amal Ammar, President of Egypt’s National Council for Women, delivered a keynote address this morning at the opening session of the Second Edition of Arab Youth Media Creativity Summit, underscoring the transformative power of media in shaping public consciousness and emphasizing the role of Arab youth in forging a future rooted in truth, peace, and cultural identity.
The summit, hosted by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, is held under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Dr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. The event welcomed dignitaries including Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Heno, South Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Mubarak, Academy President Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar, and a distinguished assembly of media professionals, ambassadors, university leaders, and youth from across the Arab world.
“Media is No Longer Just a Messenger”
In her remarks, Counselor Ammar asserted that media today is “no longer a passive conduit of information, but a dynamic force shaping collective awareness and guiding societal progress.” She hailed the summit as a reflection of the Arab world’s deep faith in its youth — not only as participants but as architects of its future.
“Media is a strategic tool — a builder of minds and a mirror of nations,” she said. “We need a media landscape that is professional, principled, and grounded in our Arab values and identity.”
Celebrating Women in Media
Ammar also highlighted the growing prominence of Arab women — and Egyptian women in particular — in the fields of media and creative content production. “They have proven themselves as essential partners in defending our societal values and advancing our national and humanitarian causes,” she stated.
She pointed to the National Council for Women’s Media Committee, which promotes accurate, equitable portrayals of women through a dedicated media code of ethics, a periodic media observatory, and robust partnerships with academic and media institutions. These efforts aim to combat stereotypes and showcase women’s contributions to national development.
A City of Hope, A Message of Unity
The counselor praised the symbolic significance of hosting the summit in New Alamein, a rapidly developing city that she described as “a beacon of modern Egypt” and “a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment.”
Message to Arab Youth
In a stirring call to action, Counselor Ammar addressed the young attendees:
“You are the hope. You are the agents of change. Make your media message noble. Let your platforms be lighthouses of truth — defending our Arab identity, and promoting peace, tolerance, and development.”
She emphasized the role of youth not just in the media, but in nation-building more broadly. The Council’s Youth Committee, she explained, serves as a national platform to nurture ideas, promote dialogue, and equip young men and women with the skills to lead and contribute meaningfully to public life.
Toward a Unified Arab Media Vision
Concluding her speech, Counselor Ammar stressed the importance of inter-Arab cooperation, advocating for a shared vision for youth and media in the region.
“No sustainable progress can be achieved without joint action,” she said. “By uniting our voices, exchanging expertise, and forging strategic partnerships, we can build a powerful soft force that truly represents the aspirations of the Arab world.”
She expressed hope that the summit’s discussions would yield actionable recommendations and long-term initiatives that empower youth media and strengthen its role as a vehicle for truth and unity across the Arab world.
