Beirut: President Joseph Aoun delivered a thought-provoking address at the 21st Arab Media Forum, urging journalists and media professionals to safeguard truth and resist the growing influence of misinformation in the modern digital age. In his opening remarks, President Aoun reflected on the striking contrast between truth and rumor, describing this paradox as 'the dilemma of our time.'
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun warned that society is living in a 'post-truth era' where values and standards are shifting, and truth itself is no longer seen as absolute. While he avoided delving into the complex causes of this transformation, the President stressed the urgency of confronting it. Addressing political leaders, President Aoun cautioned that no nation can build a sustainable future on deception, emphasizing that a leader's duty is to speak the truth 'however costly, hard, or bitter it may be.'
Turning to the media's role, President Aoun called journalists 'the messengers of this era,' noting their vital mission amid the rapid technological transformations redefining the profession. From the age of newspapers to the digital revolution and artificial intelligence, he said, the media must 'remain messengers of truth' while maintaining financial independence in an era dominated by global tech giants.
President Aoun reminded the audience that the foundation of their mission lies in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, citing Article 19, which guarantees freedom of expression, and Article 29, which balances that freedom with respect for others' rights and public welfare. He concluded with a message of confidence and hope, asserting his complete confidence in the audience's ability to uphold the truth. He emphasized Lebanon's historical commitment to freedom and advocacy for truth, noting that 'the truth will set you free and bring goodness to all humankind.'
President Aoun ended his speech with a resounding appeal for responsible, independent, and free media, wishing for societies to live in goodness and freedom.