DUBAI – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, emphasizing the evolving role of media in shaping public opinion. “We are meeting today in an extraordinary time. A time when the media is no longer just a carrier of reality, but has become a force that makes it,” he stated, adding that the media now acts as “a factory for public opinion, and for peace- sadly- as for sedition.”

He stressed the need for responsible journalism, saying, “With our full respect for freedoms and emphasizing the importance of their protection, we need a media that puts the truth above all considerations, that is, to a responsible media, a media that does not fall behind the rumors, and is not harnessed to incite and forgery.”

Salam also highlighted Lebanon’s efforts to overcome its challenges.”Lebanon is rising today from the rubble of its crises,” he affirmed, noting the country’s determination “to regain itself, to regain its word, to regain its state.”

He outlined a vision for lebanon based on “the correlation of reform and sovereignty that requires the exclusive weapon, that is, to liberate from the dual weapon that was leading to the dualism of the decision and the loss of the national state project,” envisioning “a state of law and institutions that are not consumed and consisting state.”

“We want Lebanon, which has its decision in peace and war,” Salam explained, “We want Lebanon to be rooted in its identity and its Arab affiliation, which is open to the world, which is able to be a bridge between East and west.”

“We are meeting today in an exceptional time. A time when the media is no longer just a carrier of reality, but has become a force that makes it.”

Salam also addressed Lebanon’s relationship with the Arab world, stating, “Today, after Lebanon returned to the Arabs, it is longing for the return of its Arab brothers to him, an effective return based on partnership and integration.” He reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Security Council Resolution 1701 and called for an end to Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

He expressed gratitude to the UAE for its support, acknowledging sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s commitment to Lebanon and the contributions of the Lebanese diaspora in the Emirates: “Lebanon does not forget the siblings in the Persian Gulf, and I thank the support decisions from the UAE and its President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who promised and fulfilled, and allowed the return of the Emirati brothers’ visit to their second country, Lebanon… about 190 thousand Lebanese live and work with dedication and sincerity in their second country, the Emirates, and they enjoy security, safety and quality of life.”

Concluding his address, Salam emphasized the need for a forward-looking Arab media: “We are facing a historical crossroads in the region, a delicate regional moment that calls for a new media discourse that faces attempts to marginalize and dismantle, and reproduces hope… We want a modern, alive and varied Arab media that makes the future and does not ruminate the past. It opens the windows that do not block them. It protects freedom and does not offend their use.”

A speech by the Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the “Arab Media Summit” in dubai@nawafasalam @DubaiPressClub pic.twitter.com/Xa5Mmm7nJL

– Annahar Al -Nahar (@annahar) May 27, 2025