The 55th ordinary session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information convened at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo, chaired by Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa, who assumed the presidency on behalf of the Syria. Mustafa emphasized Syria’s return to its natural place among its Arab brothers and its readiness to actively contribute to shaping the future of joint Arab media.
Syria officially assumed the presidency of the 55th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information, marking an important step in restoring its role within the framework of joint Arab action after years of isolation. The move reaffirms Arab support for Damascus as it works to rehabilitate its media sector. Mustafa stated that the new Syria looks toward the future with a spirit of construction, turning the page on its effective absence since 2011 and the symbolic absence that lasted for decades.
Activating the Arab Media Charter
The council’s new session addresses several pivotal issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause amid ongoing political, diplomatic, and field developments, particularly the role of Arab media in engaging with rising international support for the Palestinian people.
Mustafa stressed Syria’s presidency this year will focus on pushing for unified Arab policies addressing these challenges and on exchanging experiences to localize digital knowledge. He highlighted the importance of shifting from content consumption to content production and influence, in cooperation with Arab counterparts within the council.
Damascus: Capital of Arab Media for 2028
In a step reflecting clear Arab support for the new Syria, the Council of Arab Ministers of Information unanimously voted to designate Damascus as the “Capital of Arab Media for 2028.” Mustafa remarked: “Today, in Cairo, Syria has taken its rightful place and regained its true voice, carrying lessons from heavy years during which it learned that words are a responsibility and that freedom is a foundation for construction.” The Capitals of Arab Media program also named Rabat as the Capital of Arab Media for 2026 and Doha for 2027.
Syria’s presidency of the council carries significant political and media implications, underscoring its renewed presence in the Arab League after years of estrangement and its return to its Arab depth. Syria’s re-engagement in these forums reflects its broader efforts to enhance cooperation with fellow Arab countries and to contribute meaningfully to regional issues, moves that can support regional stability and strengthen inter-Arab relations.
