RIYADH: The Palestinian News and Information Agency, also known as WAFA, received the inaugural Media Professionalism Award during a Ramadan Forum in Jeddah organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Union of News Agencies.

Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, and Mohammed Al-Yami, the union’s director general, presented the award to Ambassador Hadi Shibli, Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, who accepted it on behalf of WAFA.

The forum, which took place on Wednesday, underscored the vital role of the media in the promotion of unity and equality in the Islamic World. Attendees included representatives of media institutions, scholars and diplomats.

The event also highlighted the importance of the document “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” published by the Muslim World League in 2024, which addresses issues related to the representation in the media of the diversity of Islamic sects.

Al-Issa praised the Union of News Agencies for its recognition of the outstanding diversity in the scientific, intellectual and media fields.

Al-Yami said the “Building Bridges” document offers a road map for media discourse in efforts to address the issues facing the Islamic world, particularly engagement with sectarian diversity. It serves as a reference for the media on the promotion of solidarity, fostering of unity, and encouragement for moderation and rapprochement, he added.

The aim of the new award is to provide support and encouragement to news agencies in UNA member states, WAFA reported.