Abu dhabi: The United Nations has adopted the Media Observatory for Inclusive Connectivity and Sustainable Digital Transformation initiative launched by the Arab Media Union, in a step that strengthens the international pathway towards building a more transparent, credible, and sustainable digital space.
According to Emirates News Agency, the adoption comes within the framework of commitments submitted by member organisations through the World Data Forum, which the United Nations will host in November 2026. This initiative supports member-led efforts to transform data and statistics into reliable and actionable knowledge that serves the Sustainable Development Goals and enhances evidence-based decision-making.
Dr. Ahmed Nour, President of the Arab Media Union and the Creators Union of Arab, both members of the United Nations, stated that the observatory is based on effective institutional partnerships with the Arab Council for Institutional Consultancy. This collaboration consolidates an advanced participatory model in data governance and digital media, strengthening integration between professional expertise and regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Nour highlighted that the observatory aims to bridge the gap between data production and its effective utilisation within the digital media ecosystem, especially considering challenges related to declining trust in information and the spread of misleading content. It also supports news verification processes, the development of data analysis tools and impact measurement, and the consolidation of ethics and transparency standards in information dissemination. Work is underway to complete the technical infrastructure, establish the governance framework, and adopt the platform's operational model during 2026, in preparation for its official launch at the beginning of 2027.
Post-launch, the initiative will focus on expanding the partner network, deploying monitoring and analysis tools, and conducting periodic evaluations to measure results and ensure institutional and technical sustainability.
In this context, the Arab Media Union has extended an open invitation to governments, regulatory authorities, ministries of information, media institutions, universities, research centres, technology companies, and all stakeholders at regional and international levels to join the initiative. This collaborative effort aims to develop tools and methodologies that enhance expertise exchange, capacity building, and the unification of international standards in information governance and digital data.
The adoption of the observatory is expected to contribute to enhancing digital information integrity, strengthening public trust, and providing a reliable international reference for data verification and analysis. This will support the development of an inclusive and accountable digital media environment and reinforce multilateral cooperation within the global data ecosystem.
