​The intervention by His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General, head of the Media and Communication Sector, at the International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, held under the theme: "Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context"

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

 Your Excellency Dr. Amira Al-Fadil, Chair of the Session,

 Your Excellencies,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, and to begin by affirming the importance of cooperation with the organisations participating in this distinguished conference, particularly the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), whose valuable contributions to promoting a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence—through its wide-ranging programmes for member states and its ambitious international partnerships—are deeply appreciated.

Allow me to recall that the League of Arab States has actively engaged, with strong determination, in multilateral efforts to foster cultural and civilisational dialogue, consolidate the values of peace and coexistence, combat extremism, and reject behaviours rooted in historical grievances and tendencies towards exclusion and marginalisation. These trends—regardless of their historical, religious, or ideological origins—intensified to an unprecedented degree following the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States. In recent years, they have evolved into a deeply troubling social phenomenon, drawing increasing international concern amid rising waves of hatred and harassment targeting Islam and Muslims.

It is important to underscore that this phenomenon has been exploited by extremist forces, as well as by certain journalistic and media outlets and digital platforms. Under the guise of press freedom, these channels have become fertile ground for the spread of stereotypes, incitement to hatred, contempt for religions, the erosion of social cohesion, and the fuelling of sectarian divisions.

While press freedom remains a right protected by international laws and conventions, it must be exercised with a sense of responsibility, integrity, and credibility.

In this context, the Media and Communication Sector remains committed to advancing the Media Action Plan abroad, in close coordination with official entities, media unions and organisations, League of Arab States missions in countries of accreditation, and the Councils of Arab Ambassadors. This plan has undergone periodic revisions, with the aim of developing an executive mechanism during the 52nd session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, held in Cairo in June 2022. During the 53rd session, held in Rabat in June 2023, the Council adopted Resolution 529, approving the establishment of an "integrated observatory and platform" as a mechanism for monitoring, vigilance, and follow-up, to be based in the Kingdom of Morocco.

This observatory is intended to produce Arab media content that supports shared causes—foremost among them the Palestinian cause—as well as efforts to combat extremism, terrorism, and misinformation, correct prevailing misconceptions about our collective image, and promote our cultural heritage. The plan complements the core objectives of both the Arab Media Strategy and the Joint Strategy to Combat Terrorism and its executive programme. Within the Media and Communication Sector, we are committed to ensuring the optimal implementation of this plan, including conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its progress in collaboration with all partners. This includes the development of targeted media materials, the launch of effective awareness campaigns, and the intensification of cooperation and partnership programmes with relevant organisations—particularly ISESCO, in light of its request to join the Council of Information Ministers as an observer.

In parallel, the Arab Media Code of Ethics underscores the importance of fostering a spirit of tolerance and pluralism, rejecting all forms of discrimination—be it ethnic, sectarian, religious, or political—and refraining from publishing rumours or media content that incites hostility, hatred, or extremism.

On this basis, His Excellency the Secretary-General proposed an initiative to enhance the Media Code of Ethics through substantive amendments. These amendments were adopted under Resolution 9144 during the 163rd session of the Council of the League at the ministerial level, in May of this year. The revised Code urges media outlets, particularly during electoral campaigns, to avoid disseminating misleading information that incites hatred, violence, or discrimination—regardless of its motives—against any candidate, electoral list, or political party.

Distinguished Guests,

According to a 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 47 percent of Muslims in 13 European Union countries reported experiencing discrimination in their daily lives—up from 39 percent in 2016—particularly in the areas of employment, education, housing, and public spaces. This contravenes international standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination. These statistics clearly demonstrate that current integration policies—despite the diversity of European national systems—have reached their limits, and that more comprehensive and effective approaches are now needed.

It is evident that our region, which has historically provided a unique environment for coexistence, intellectual diversity, and freedom of belief, is now called upon to draw from this legacy to offer a civilisational model aligned with contemporary realities. This can be achieved through the engagement of our diaspora—especially media professionals, content creators, and influencers—and through openness to Western public opinion, as well as parliamentary, civil, and intellectual elites.

The Media and Communication Sector, while committed to the effective implementation of the Media Action Plan abroad—with the sincere support of member states and professional associations—affirms that addressing extremist discourse and promoting the values of peace and respect for diversity require a coordinated, collaborative, and sustained effort. This is essential to confronting the repercussions of a phenomenon that deeply affects the sentiments of millions around the world.

May the peace and mercy of God be upon you.