His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, received a delegation from TRENDS Research & Advisory, the strategic knowledge partner of the 21st Arab Media Forum held in Beirut.

President Aoun welcomed the TRENDS delegation, led by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, praising the vital role of research in strengthening knowledge-based dialogue among institutions.

He emphasized the importance of such forums in fostering cultural and media exchange among Arab countries and in coordinating efforts to keep pace with the rapid transformations occurring in the global media landscape.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, expressed his deep appreciation for the meeting with His Excellency the Lebanese President, describing it as a reflection of the Lebanese leadership’s support for constructive media dialogue and rigorous academic research. He also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and for His Excellency’s keen interest in strengthening the role of media and research in supporting sustainable development and consolidating stability.

Dr. Al-Ali presented His Excellency, President Joseph Aoun, with a brief overview of TRENDS Research & Advisory’s work and its global, forward-looking vision. He also outlined TRENDS’ key studies, their diverse areas of focus, and their alignment with current global developments. In addition, he highlighted TRENDS’ initiatives in training and consulting, the role of its international offices, and its dedicated efforts to counter extremist ideologies while promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and human fraternity.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that TRENDS, through its strategic partnership with the Arab Media Forum, seeks to build bridges of communication and knowledge among Arab thinkers and media professionals, and to strengthen the media’s role in supporting development priorities and promoting cultural rapprochement among Arab peoples. He added that this partnership is part of TRENDS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen research and media cooperation among Arab institutions, facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices in the fields of media, development, and knowledge.

TRENDS made a significant contribution to the Arab Media Forum by co-organizing, in collaboration with the Forum, the opening session titled “Arab Media at the Heart of Sustainable Development.” The session was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali and featured the participation of an elite group of Arab ministers, media professionals, and experts.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the TRENDS delegation held a series of high-level meetings with several senior officials, most notably His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and His Excellency Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of Lebanon.

The discussions focused on prospects for cooperation in the fields of media, academic research, and knowledge, as well as on developing partnerships that support the Arab media industry and enhance its role in advancing development and promoting public awareness.

During the two-day Forum, TRENDS participated with a distinguished knowledge corner inaugurated by His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Head of the National Media Office and Chairman of the Emirates Media Council. His Excellency commended TRENDS’ efforts in advancing rigorous scientific research, spreading knowledge, and promoting responsible and informed media awareness across the Arab world. The corner showcased dozens of recent publications and studies covering a wide range of fields.