KUWAIT CITY, Dec 12: The forum “National Identity and Strengthening Citizenship Principles in Kuwaiti Society” held two discussions on Wednesday, focusing on the role of media in enhancing national identity and the impact of political and legal issues on national unity and citizenship. The first session, titled “The Role of Media in Strengthening National Identity and Citizenship Principles,” was chaired by Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai newspaper Waleed Al-Jassim who emphasized that a variety of identities within society creates a beautiful mosaic, as long as no single identity dominates, ensuring national stability.

Al-Jassim highlighted the media’s responsibility in fostering national identity while respecting individual differences and preserving the state’s identity, and also discussed the rise of a universal human identity through social media, questioning its potential risks. Meanwhile, former Minister of Information Sami Al-Nisf warned against prioritizing personal desires over national interests and stressed the importance of reinforcing national identity for coexistence among citizens. Al-Nisf discussed the crucial role of professional media in enhancing national identity, emphasizing the country’s achievements, and advancing the values that build nations. On his side, Professor of Mass Communication at Kuwait University Dr. Khaled Al-Qahs explained that each generation interacts with media differently, noting that the current generation, heavily involved with digital technology and social media, requires targeted communication to strengthen national identity through these platforms. He also outlined various types of digital citizenship, such as digital consumption, participation in decision-making, and political activity, mentioning both the benefits and challenges of digital citizenship, including security risks and the spread of fake news.

The second session, titled “Political and Legal Issues and their Impact on National Unity and Citizenship Principles,” was chaired by Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghanim. He underscored the complexity of national identity and its importance to everyone, underlining the role of forums like this in shaping youth perspectives for a stronger nation. Next, Professor of Public Law at Kuwait University Dr. Mohammad Al- Fiali discussed national identity as a psychological concept requiring a legal foundation, emphasizing the connection between law, rights, and citizenship, and explaining that law binds identity to human frameworks, protecting it from dangers. As for the Professor of International Relations Dr. Ghanim Al-Najjar, he pointed out that national unity is closely linked to national identity, with Kuwait facilitating the formation of both. He referenced a study showing high levels of security in Kuwait, stating that justice, equality, and equal opportunities positively strengthen national identity. The forum, which started on Tuesday, was organized by the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Center at Kuwait University, the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace, and the National Unity Promotion Team at the Cabinet, and concluded today at the university’s Shuwaikh campus. (KUNA)