Tunis conference calls for media effort to counter negative image of Islam

12/05/2008

Tunis hosted a meeting of experts last week to explore ways to employ modern technology in correcting misinformation about Islam in the media.

By Mona Yahya for Magharebia in Tunis – 12/05/08

[isesco.org.ma] Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) held a meeting in Tunis last week as part of its programme to use modern technology to counter misinformation about Islam and Islamic civilisation.

Officials, academics and experts from several Arab countries met with representatives from the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the World Islamic Call Society in Tunis on May 5th-8th to discuss ways to employ information and communication technology to defend Islam's image in modern media.

In a written statement issued during the conference, the experts discussed the negative effects of what they call "Islamophobia" on the religion's global image, calling for opening dialogue with leading intellectuals and media and political figures in the West.

The experts also urged Middle Eastern intellectuals residing in the west and media to take part in public debates to defend the image of Islam and to confront stereotypes.

The meeting featured presentations of specific public relations techniques and ways to generate alternative images. In addition, the gathering featured a round table on media training facilities in the Arab world, and how they might be used to restore the image of Islam.

The meeting came as part of a broader ISESCO programme on the public image of Islam based on a decision by the fourth Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, hosted by Algiers in December 2004. The Islamic conference advocated the launch of an Islamic satellite television channel and called for nations in the region to submit cultural projects to ISESCO to guarantee adherence to the organisation's strategy.

Fatma Tarhouni, Secretary-General of the Tunisian National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, said Tunisia is attempting to bring the use of information and communication technology in line with the protection of identity and culture.

She added that among the highest priorities in Tunisia are engagement in the communications revolution, the adoption of a policy of openness and the enhancement of dialogue between cultures and religions.

ISESCO representative Mahjoub Ben Saiid said: "The media is now playing a serious role; it can tarnish the image of Islam, but can also improve it. We at ISESCO are of the opinion that this situation should be dealt with through a detailed, precise programme rather than emotions and quick reactions."

Such a programme, Mahjoub said, should "include academic, media and cultural and educational dimensions. This meeting is concerned with... [presenting] the image of true, moderate Islam that calls for love and fraternity. This can only be achieved through the training of media personnel who possess modern technologies and who can influence others."

Stressing the importance of understanding among peoples, Moktar Dira of the World Islamic Call Society supported dialogue and alliance among civilisations and cultures.

Yemen's Abda Salah Moslah said, "It is our duty to make use of all means of communication in order to show the Islam's tolerance. Islam calls for good; it doesn't call for evil. It calls for love, not disunity."

At the conclusion of the meeting, the assembled group recommended that ISESCO's regional centres for training and audio-visual and multimedia production facilities in Khartoum, Damascus and Teheran offer courses to young journalists. Closing resolutions were defined by a renewed emphasis on the role cultural and media advisors in Islamic countries' embassies in the Western world can play in countering negative stereotypes. This role includes leading co-operation efforts with local media personnel, touristic and cultural visits and joint seminars.