CAIRO: The jury committee for the Arab Media Excellence Award commenced its sessions in Cairo on Monday, under the chairmanship of Kuwait, the award’s official sponsor. The meeting is organized by the Arab League’s Media and Communications Sector. In his opening address, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communications Sector, Ambassador Ahmad Rashid Khattabi, stated that the jury would review nominations submitted by member states and media institutions, and select the most outstanding entries based on the award’s established criteria.

He emphasized the principles of transparency and integrity in the selection process. This year’s session is held under the theme “Arab Youth and New Media,” reflecting the growing influence of social media and its expanding applications across professional, service, and media sectors—particularly among young people, Khattabi noted.

He further highlighted the significance of this year’s award in light of the ongoing Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands, alongside widespread injuries, displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Khattabi stressed the extensive damage to essential infrastructure, especially health, education, and social services. The Arab League’s General Secretariat received a total of 145 entries across four media categories: 30 in television, 37 in radio, 43 in print media, and 31 in digital platforms.

Chairing the meeting, Talal Al-Haifi, head of Al-Arabiya TV’s Kuwait bureau, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the award’s success. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting media excellence in the Arab world through its sponsorship of the award. Established in 2015 under Resolution No. 409 by the Council of Arab Information Ministers during its 46th session, the Arab Media Excellence Award aims to recognize distinguished media contributions that address key issues affecting the Arab region. — KUNA