July 30, 2025
By Alyazya Almansoori, Head of Media, International Conference on Human Fraternity
There is something deeply human about the stories we tell. They carry our fears, our hopes, our identities, and often, our differences. But within that difference lies an incredible opportunity; the chance to understand one another, to meet across cultures and creeds, and to build a shared sense of belonging. It is here that media finds its greatest calling.
As a media specialist with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), I have witnessed how profoundly narratives can shape public perception. Media is not just a vehicle for news—it is a bridge. It connects people who may never meet, opens minds to unfamiliar perspectives, and, when done with care, stitches together the social fabric that division threatens to tear apart.
This week, as we bring our work from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta in collaboration with the Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU), we gather for a conference titled: ‘Advancing Human Fraternity Amid Global Uncertainty: Towards a More Peaceful and Prosperous Civilization’, which is dedicated to coexistence, compassion, and human fraternity. One of the sessions closest to my heart is Media’s Roles in Bridging Diversity. It reflects not only a professional commitment, but a personal belief that media can be a force for empathy, dignity, and unity.
We live in a time when it’s easy to retreat into echo chambers, where nuance is lost and polarization thrives. But we, in the media, have a quiet power to challenge that. To choose dialogue over drama. Humanity over sensationalism. Truth over convenience. And by doing so, we help create a world where diversity is not feared, but embraced.
This is more than just a panel discussion. It’s a call to all of us in media to lead with integrity and heart, and to remember that every story told has the power to bring people closer together.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
