Publishing & Security: The Role of the Publishing Industry in Promoting Societal Awareness and Intellectual Security

This Symposium comes as an urgent necessity in light of the accelerating challenges facing the Arab and Islamic world in the realm of intellectual and informational security. The publishing industry, both traditional and digital, has become a decisive tool in shaping public awareness and reinforcing or undermining values. At times, it has been exploited to spread hatred, extremism, and incitement.

Building on the objectives of the League of Arab States to strengthen cultural and intellectual coordination among Member States, the principles of ICESCO’s Charter to advance educational, cultural, and scientific work in the Islamic world and to promote values of peace, security, tolerance, and moderation, and the commitment of ICESCO and Naif University to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (notably Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions), this symposium marks a proactive effort to develop responsible publishing policies. Such policies aim to protect societies from extremist discourse, hatred, misinformation, and fake news, while strengthening individuals’ resilience in facing digital and cultural challenges. The event also constitutes a model for integrating cultural and security perspectives into the joint Arab and Islamic action.