As climate change accelerates and its impacts become increasingly visible—from rising temperatures to water shortages and natural disasters—Arab media is being urged to take a more active and sustained role. Occasional coverage is no longer sufficient. The media must step up as a key force in raising awareness, promoting solutions, and holding decision-makers accountable. This growing call for stronger media engagement was underscored by Eng. Abdelrahim Suleiman, Director General of the Arab States Broadcasting Union, who noted that “climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, but a civilizational and security challenge that requires serious daily media attention"
In this context, the 4th Arab Media Congress will take place in Baghdad from May 20 to 24, 2025. Hosted by the Iraqi Media Network, the congress will focus on “The Role of Media in Facing Climate Change.” The event aims to tackle a critical issue that affects every aspect of life—food security, water resources, health, the economy, and energy. It seeks to forge a clear strategy to elevate climate change as a top priority in Arab media coverage, extending beyond news reports to include awareness campaigns, investigative journalism, documentaries, and environmental education workshops.
By the end of the congress, organizers aim to:
-Launch a clear media roadmap to guide how Arab outlets cover climate
-Support collaboration between Arab and international media
-Offer simple and practical recommendations for content creation
-Encourage independent media oversight of climate policies and government action
In essence, this year’s congress aims to support Arab media in moving from awareness to tangible action in addressing climate change.