Third Arab Parliamentary Media Forum Opens in Bahrain

His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Speaker of the Shura Council, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the continuous guidance of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, underscores the importance of investing in knowledge, innovation, and responsible media. These, he noted, are essential pillars for development, progress, and enhancing Bahrain’s regional and international stature. He also expressed pride in the achievements of both the Shura and Council of Representatives in strengthening communication with citizens through parliamentary media.

Speaking during the opening of the Third Arab Parliamentary Media Forum held in Bahrain, Al Saleh highlighted that the councils’ efforts to engage with citizens align with the enduring approach established by His Majesty the King, based on popular participation, justice, and equality.

He emphasized that both councils are committed to developing parliamentary media tools, leveraging modern digital platforms to showcase legislative achievements, and providing broader communication channels with citizens. Furthermore, they are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to deliver high-quality content that reflects the councils’ national role and meets societal expectations.

The forum, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization under the Arab League and supported by the Shura Council, Council of Representatives, and the Gulf University, is themed “Parliamentary Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Ensuring Credibility and Creating Impact.” The event was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, along with several members of both councils.

Al Saleh noted that the forum comes at a time when exchanging expertise, establishing practical frameworks, and enhancing the role of Arab parliamentary media are essential to strengthen democracy, accountability, and transparency. He stressed that parliamentary media is a noble mission rooted in transparency and credibility, serving as a vital tool to build trust between citizens and legislative institutions.

“Investing in the development of Arab parliamentary media is an investment in democracy and in the future we all aspire to build,” he said. He added that modern media and artificial intelligence play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, which heightens the responsibility of parliamentarians and journalists to protect the truth, combat misinformation, raise awareness, and maintain a robust parliamentary media discourse that reflects the realities of legislative work and meets citizens’ expectations.

Al Saleh underscored that credibility remains the cornerstone of any successful media practice and that artificial intelligence, regardless of its advancement, serves to reinforce truth and human service, not replace ethical judgment and conscience. He affirmed that the forum highlights the shared Arab commitment to advancing parliamentary media, improving its efficiency, and keeping pace with rapid global technological and communication transformations, thereby strengthening the connection between parliaments and societies.

He concluded by thanking the Arab Administrative Development Organization, experts, journalists, and specialists participating in the forum, expressing hope that their discussions and recommendations would lead to innovative initiatives that elevate Arab parliamentary media and support its development amid accelerating technological changes.