Dubai, 21st April 2012 (WAM) - Dubai Press Club, organisers of Arab Media Forum and the Arab Journalism Awards, today announced Dr Farouk El Baz, leading Arab professor and space scientist, will deliver a keynote address on the opening day of the 11th Arab Media Forum (AMF 2012).
Themed Arab Media: Disclosure and Transition, AMF 2012 will be held from 89 May at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The largest media event in the region, it is anticipated to draw the participation of more than 2,000 media practitioners from across the world. Featuring eight panel discussions, the sessions will be led by over 70 eminent media persons and political leaders. Dr Farouk El Baz is Director of the Center for Remote Sensing and Research Professor at the Departments of Archaeology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, US. Recipient of numerous distinctions including NASAs Apollo Achievement Award, State of Nevada Medal, and the Arab Republic of Egypt Order of Merit - First Class, Dr El Baz is known for his pioneering work in the application of space images to ground-water exploration in arid lands. Following his keynote address, Dr El Baz will engage with Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice-President of Zayed University, in a dialogue on "The requirements of development and renaissance in the Arab world: the role of media". During this session, Dr El Baz will share his perspectives on the role of media in boosting developmental and Intellectual renaissance across the Arab world, which is currently witnessing dynamic political and social transformations. In the run up to AMF 2012, Dr El Baz said: "Human civilization flourished primarily on the basis of science and knowledge. Towards furthering progress, a fundamental responsibility lies with the Arab media for enriching the intellectual environment and reforming education at all levels. It is essential to improve standards not only in general knowledge but also in the disciplines of science and technology. "We need to address some hard-hitting questions, such as how can we set in motion a renaissance in our world at a time when illiteracy rate in the most populous Arab country exceeds 40 per cent. How can any nation be truly productive if its educational system is didactic and solely depends on rote learning while prohibiting debate, reasoning, or creativity? It is imperative that the Arab media examines such topical issues and launches a long-term campaign that calls for progressive change."Dr El Baz will stress on the important role of the Arab media in streamlining the reform process and contributing to the advancement of the Arab community. Emphasising that the media must refrain from concentrating on the ills of the society and forecasting developmental failure, he will highlight the need to recognise innovation and the creativity of human capital on all levels. Dr Farouk El Baz founded the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. He has served NASAs Apollo program in several key roles such as Secretary of the Site Selection Committee for the Apollo lunar landings, Chairman of the Astronaut Training Group, and Principal Investigator for Visual Observations and Photography. The 10th edition of the Arab Media Forum held from 17-18 May 2011 attracted more than 2,800 participants including media professionals, decision makers, researchers, academics and media students. Additionally, over 23,000 people tuned in to the forum via direct broadcast technology on the Internet. A total of 40 different nationalities from around the Arab region and the world participated in the event.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.
