On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Baghdad held a press conference to launch the 4th Arab Media Congress, themed “The Role of Media in Facing Climate Change.” This important event is being hosted by Iraq and jointly organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and the Iraqi Media Network.
In his opening speech, Abdul Karim Hammadi, head of the Iraqi Media Network, highlighted Baghdad’s growing role as a regional hub not only in politics and tourism but also in media and culture. He credited Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani for his strong support of the media sector, noting that the Prime Minister has consistently emphasized its importance and personally backed the organization of the conference.
He explained that the congress goes far beyond a typical media gathering. It serves as a strategic platform for discussing major challenges facing Arab media—most notably climate change, one of the defining issues of our era. The discussions are aimed at exploring how media can help raise awareness, shape public opinion, and contribute to practical solutions. He also pointed to the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, which is transforming the media landscape with both opportunities and risks.
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Eng. Abdelrahim Suleiman, ASBU Director General, highlighted the significance of hosting the conference in Iraq—marking the first time the event is held outside ASBU 's headquarters . He noted that this edition also coincides with Iraq’s presidency of the Arab League Summit, giving it added regional weight. Eng. Suleiman extended his thanks to the Iraqi Media Network for its strong commitment and the resources it dedicated to making the Congress a success.
He stressed that this year’s focus on climate change was a deliberate choice, driven by the urgency of the issue. While the effects of climate change are expanding and affecting every aspect of life—from local communities to global economies—media coverage of the topic remains insufficient.The congress aims to establish a clear roadmap for strengthening the role of Arab media in addressing and engaging with climate-related challenges.
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The program includes two preliminary workshops, an official opening, four main sessions, and a final declaration. Eng. Suleiman noted that ASBU and the Iraqi Media Network have developed a robust media coverage plan to ensure wide visibility and access for journalists and media professionals covering the event.
Journalists at the press conference raised several key issues, including:
- The role of artificial intelligence in helping media respond to climate change
- The importance of launching media initiatives—such as contests—to boost environmental awareness
- The need for co-produced Arab programs on environmental education
- Support for specialized environmental journalism
- Ensuring follow-up on the outcomes and recommendations issued by the conference
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