KUNA to Host 51st FANA General Assembly with 12 Agencies Participating

Kuwait city: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) is set to host the 51st General Assembly conference for the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) tomorrow, with participation from 12 news agencies, FANA's Secretariat, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as an observer. The assembly will focus on key issues facing Arab news agencies and explore areas for cooperation. According to Kuwait News Agency, the General Assembly will be chaired by Dr. Jamal Al-Kaabi, current FANA President and Acting Director General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), alongside Dr. Fatma Al-Salem, Vice President of FANA and Director General of KUNA. The agenda will include discussions on challenges facing Arab news agencies, topics of mutual interest, and cooperation among FANA members. Technological advancements in media, as well as regional and international developments, will also be on the table. FANA was founded in 1975 to enhance cooperation among Arab news agencies and improve media coverage that keeps pace with global events. The federation seeks to promote news from the Arab world and establish a clear Arab media identity internationally. It also encourages members to adopt the latest technological advancements to meet digital age demands. The General Assembly convenes annually, while the federation's secretariat meets twice a year to review FANA activities. The secretariat is composed of seven elected members who serve for two years, whereas the Secretary General's term is five years. In its previous assembly, FANA witnessed the transition of the presidency from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Dr. Fatma Al-Salem was elected as Vice President of FANA, marking her as the first Arab woman to hold the position within the federation.