Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Public Works ‘&’ Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC), inaugurated today the “Media and National Identity Forum”. The Forum is being organized by NMC and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies ‘&’ Research (ECSSR), in collaboration with Journalism Association.

A distinguished group of experts, intellectuals and media personalities are participating in the activities of the forum.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Hamdan stressed the important role media plays in promoting national identity.

He said national identity had always been an issue of concern, specially with the rapid changes witnessed in the media and telecommunications sectors.

Sheikh Hamdan referred to the historic stance when President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2008 the year of National Identity.

He added that under the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the cabinet has made tangible steps to enhance national identity.

The forum, having four main sessions, has taken up significant issues related to the role of the media in influencing level of awareness on national identity in the UAE. These issues include media and identity in the era of globalization, national identity in the UAE media, institutional and individual experiences in promoting national identity in the media, and GCC media experience in spreading awareness of cultural and national identity.

Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the ECSSR, observed that the Forum presents a great occasion for exchange of ideas and views on national identity and the role of the media in influencing the level of awareness on national identity in the UAE. He stressed that the issue held exceptional importance on the agenda of our prudent leadership, particularly President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dr. Al-Suwaidi added that the whole world has praised the UAE’s experience as a country of cultural pluralism and an example of coexistence between different beliefs and cultures. However, there is a keen interest in this country to hold on to its national identity and cultural particularity, including its traditions, norms, values and ways of living. Dr. Al-Suwaidi concluded that holding on to the national identity does not mean becoming reclusive in a globalized world, characterized by new revolutions in Information Technology and mass communications