Dr. Adel Fahmy from Cairo University’s Faculty of Media Praises the Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Awareness and Disseminating Ethical Values Through Various Communication Channels
Dr. Reda Amin, Dean of Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Media, Warns of Digital Media’s Dominance and Calls for Media Education to Protect the Public and Increase Their Awareness
Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research: New Generations Must Be Protected in an Era Dominated by Visual Content Across All Communication Means and Their Internal Immunity Developed
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its eighth cultural seminar titled “Media and Fostering Community Awareness”. The event featured Prof. Dr. Reda Abdel Wajid Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Media at Al-Azhar University; Dr. Adel Fahmy, Professor of Broadcasting and Television at Cairo University’s Faculty of Media; and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research; and was moderated by media personality Dr. Saad Al-Mat’ani.
Dr. Adel Fahmy opened the seminar by discussing the role of digital media, also known as new media or citizen media, representing the latest evolution in communication sciences. He highlighted that this media shift places the focus squarely on the audience and the citizen. He warned that without a profound vision and professional handling, the identities of societies could face threats and fragmentation. He emphasized the critical need to cultivate a religious conscience, which he described as the ‘last stronghold’ in defending humanity.
The Professor of Media at Cairo University emphasized the importance of developing media awareness and strengthening our identities through the triad of faith, heritage, and language. He called on key actors to secure a stake in digital media to preserve nations, cultures, identities, and ethical values. He warned of the risks associated with some digital generations becoming detached from their past and present. Simultaneously, he praised the role of religious institutions like Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders in enhancing awareness and promoting ethical values through various communication means.
Dr. Reda Abdel Wajid Amin stressed the vital importance of purpose and message in both traditional and new media, underscoring the responsibility linked to verbal and visual content because of their significant impact on individuals and societies. He pointed out that this is crucial for maintaining intellectual and social security.
The Dean of the Faculty of Media at Al-Azhar University also warned about the dominance of digital media over children and young people, which could lead to the erosion of the ethical values system. He pointed out that solutions lie in education based on awareness and dialogue. Simultaneously, he advocated for an increase in substantive content over trivial content. He also called for the inclusion of a media education course in curricula to enable the public to verify information.
In this context, Dr. Samir Boudinar highlighted the importance of protecting new generations in an era where visual content dominates all forms of communication. This protection can be achieved by developing internal defenses that shield them from risks, encompassing three types of immunity: spiritual and faith-based, intellectual, and behavioral. He called for an increase in positive content to counterbalance the negative.
The Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research further noted that responsible verbal and visual content are powerful tools for promoting coexistence values. He mentioned that the Muslim Council of Elders has prioritized human coexistence, actively disseminating this commitment through various channels, including publishing books in multiple languages and utilizing new media to enhance awareness of these vital human values.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.