13th Arab Media Forum kicks off with series of discussions

KUWAIT, May 1 (KUNA) -- The 13th edition of the Arab Media Forum kicked off on Sunday, under the auspices of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, with a series of sessions that tackled a myriad of issues.
A plethora of renowned academics, specialists and artists were in attendance for a forum that touched on a slew of social and media issues, in addition to youth-related ones.
Director General of Public Relations at the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs Nasser Al-Arfaj said that the ministry strives to develop its usage of media outlets, as he singled out social media as a platform that generates great fanfare.
Member of Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation's security council Sheikha Hala bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa underscored efforts the foundation has taken to help boost youth volunteerism. "The world has witnessed the spread of terrorist ideologies that we should all work to suppress," she noted.
Moreover, director general of one of Sky News Arabia's prominent programs Mahra Al-Yacoubi remarked that media has, for the last 25 years, addressed some of the most pivotal issues in society.
Meanwhile, the forum's second session featured a candid discussion with a special needs child, who attributed his perseverance to his mother's unwavering conviction that he assimilates into society.
In the forum's third session, Tunisian artist Marwa bin Saghir underscored the growing impact that social media has on the masses.
Famed UAE artist Balqees Fathi pointed out during the fourth session, that true fame lies in the ability to successfully confer messages to the audience.
In the forum's fifth session, psychologist Dr. Tariq Al-Habib noted that misuse of social media is linked to the psychology of violence, pointing to episodes of aggression that have pervaded social media websites. (end) abd.nam