The Director General of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA), Professor Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbo Al-Yami, commended the Muslim World League for championing the concerns of Muslim communities worldwide, describing it as a leading intellectual and scholarly reference for the Islamic world.
Speaking at the “Ramadan Forum” organized by UNA in cooperation with the League’s Assistant Secretariat for Institutional Communication, Al-Yami underlined the significance of the document “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” on the occasion of its second anniversary.
The event was held in Jeddah on February 25, 2026, corresponding to the eighth of Ramadan 1447 AH, bringing together senior officials, diplomats, ministers, and directors of news agencies from across OIC member states.
In his address, Al-Yami welcomed Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Jerusalem Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Minister of National Policy, Foreign Relations, Press and Information of the Chechen Republic Akhmed Dudayev, along with media leaders representing member states.
He emphasized that the “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” document, endorsed by leading scholars near the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, reflects a unified determination to transcend sectarian divisions and reinforce Islamic unity. The initiative, he noted, builds upon the principles enshrined in the Mecca Document, promoting moderation, coexistence, and the rejection of extremism.
Al-Yami credited the Muslim World League for spearheading transformative initiatives aimed at fostering authentic Islamic discourse that reflects tolerance and mutual respect. He highlighted the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa in advancing dialogue, strengthening cooperation among nations, and projecting a balanced image of Islam globally.
Expressing pride in UNA’s strategic partnership with the League, Al-Yami said the collaboration has yielded impactful programs supporting Islamic causes, countering hate speech, and enhancing peaceful coexistence. He described the media as a central partner in conveying responsible narratives and countering misinformation.
He pointed to the document’s emphasis on media responsibility, particularly the need for professional discourse that strengthens unity, corrects misconceptions about Islam, and addresses hostile campaigns targeting the religion. He urged media organizations, especially in non-Muslim countries, to reflect the true values of Islam through accuracy and ethical reporting.
Al-Yami also referenced the “Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility,” adopted during an international forum addressing misinformation and bias in media. He described the charter as a guiding ethical and legal framework aimed at regulating media practice and reinforcing professional standards.
During the forum, Al-Yami announced the launch of the first edition of the “Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States Award for Media Professionalism,” designed to recognize institutions and individuals demonstrating commitment to credibility, responsibility, and professional excellence.
He said the award would serve as a qualitative addition to the global media landscape, encouraging journalists and institutions to promote dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding while confronting hate speech and Islamophobia.
In his closing remarks, Al-Yami extended appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the event and supporting joint Islamic initiatives, acknowledging the Kingdom’s continued backing of UNA’s mission to enhance cooperation among member states.
He also thanked the Muslim World League’s Assistant Secretariat for Institutional Communication for its commitment to empowering media institutions as key partners in strengthening global understanding and unity among peoples.
