Journalists across the world are inter-connected and governments should initiate action to protect their lives and freedom, and collective action should be initiated for media personnel across the world, according to Dominique Badali, President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
"The world took a closer look at Omani society, where peace reigns and intellectual endeavours are stimulated'', Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, said, adding that the presence of journalists from all over the world reflects the appreciation of the Omani media internationally.
"The conference was also a tribute to the history of Omani media over the past 50 years, during which it played an essential role in raising national awareness and guiding society. The conference provided an opportunity to introduce the Sultanate of Oman and its economic, natural, historical and cultural elements to the world'', he added.
Speaking to the media during the closing ceremony of the 4-day-long 31st International Conference of the International Federation of Journalists (Congress), hosted by the Oman Journalists Association (OJA) at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, she expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the OJA, for hosting the conference, for the good organisation and events, she said that this conference is a historic convergence of media people from across the globe.
"The triennial media conference of the IFJ held in Muscat is a historic conference which saw high-level communication and exchange of ideas between journalists during the conference which would contribute in networking and exchanging of ideas between continents'', Badali said.
She reiterated that governments of various nations across the world should initiate measures to protect journalists and to respect their freedoms and she dedicated her victory to the top position of the international body of journalists to the spirit of journalist martyr Shereen Abu Aqleh and to journalists whose lives are at risk in the field of work.
"We journalists are an interconnected chain and complement each other. There is an urgent need for collective action for journalists."
She noted the progress made by women journalists in obtaining the presidential seat in the elections of the International Federation of Journalists, the largest gatherings of journalists in the world.
"Women have made gigantic strides in the filed of journalism just as they excelled in any other area of life. A women to rise to the top most position in the IFJ is an example that women can conquer even greater heights'', the newly elected president of IFJ added.
During the concluding ceremony, Omani Women's Association dazzled the audience with the activities of Omani Night Programme titled 'Oman Authenticity', which won the admiration of one and all.
"Journalistic work in the Sultanate of Oman has made great strides, both through the government sector and private journalistic institutions'', said Najat bint Saad, head of the media committee of the association.
Her speech was followed by a fashion show by Omani designer Muhammad al Subhi, then a show of traditional costumes by an Omani designer Faiza al Balushi, and a show of modern fashion by Omani designer Omaima Hammoud and Amal. A wide spread of authentic Omani hospitality, an exhibition of fine arts, Omani food and many other heritage events were organised as part of the 'Omani Night.'
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