Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets with the Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information and Emphasizes the Role of Media in Combating Hate and Promoting Human Fraternity

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Her Excellency Aida Balayeva, have met in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana and discussed the significant role that media can play in combating hate speech, violence, prejudice, and in promoting human fraternity, compassion, and mutual coexistence.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General emphasized the great importance that the Council places on media, recognizing its profound impact and its potential to contribute either positively or negatively to nations and peoples. He pointed out that in 2019, the Muslim Council of Elders launched the‘Arab Media Convention for Human Fraternity’ which established the "20 Values Charter" outlining principles for media institutions and professionals to contribute to the promotion of peace, coexistence, counteracting hatred, and safeguarding the rights of the vulnerable. He also noted the Council's intention to organize a similar event bringing together representatives of media outlets in Asia to enhance the values of human fraternity.

For her part. Kazakhstan's Minister of Culture and Information congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders on the opening of its Central Asian branch. She also expressed her anticipation for collaboration with the branch to achieve common goals, foremost among them promoting peace, disseminating a culture of dialogue, and constructing sound and effective strategies to ensure that future generations become ambassadors of tolerance and peace in light of the challenges humanity faces today. She also expressed readiness to cooperate with the Council in various initiatives that can unify the efforts of media in combating hate.