By Kumba Leigh, Reporting from Abu Dhabi
In its quest to bring the global media industry together, accelerate change, collaborate and help businesses align, adapt and thrive, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) hosted a maiden edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC) from the 15th to 17th November 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Officials said there were over 10,000 attendees, 170 globally renowned speakers, 150 exhibiting brands, 150 hosted buyers and 6 main features.
The GMC 2022 was a platform for exchanging innovative ideas and entrepreneurial solutions that affect the development of the media sector. The inaugural event was held under the theme, “Shaping the future of the media industry” and featured local and international media experts who provided new perspectives and insights on several issues.
Artificial intelligence, data, revolu- tionary technologies, consumer behav- ior and media trends and forecasts were among key issues discussed during the sessions.
In his opening remarks, the State Minister of Tolerance, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, has said some media channels across the world lack responsible reporting, fact-checking skills, and the ability of a better understanding of issues of governance and authority; as well as disregard accepted standards and toler- ance, and cynically manipulate public opinions.
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan admonished the strengthening of the value of tolerance among people, respect for diversities, and cultures of the people.
He expressed hope that the Global Media Congress would help enhance and improve the level of tolerance across the world, and the coexistence between cultures in the UAE; enhanc- ing dialogue, media engagement, and communication.
“Media persons should be role models for tolerance, respect for di- versities in shaping the future of the world. Therefore, they should write responsibly, and transparently to ensure they earn credibility, integrity and trust of the universe,” H.E. Sheikh Nahyan posited.
The Global Media Congress also entailed an exhibition, with the aim to serve as a platform for global compa- nies looking to engage in media mar- kets in the Gulf and MENA regions. Organisers say GMC is a world-class stage where buyers and sellers could meet, learn, network, do business, and explore new products, solutions, and technologies, with over 120 companies specialised in the media and production industry.
While the congress offered a plat- form for journalists, tech firms, content creators, digital marketing profession- als, streaming giants, entertainment executives, regulators, and key media stakeholders, it also facilitated critical knowledge exchange and presented opportunities for business partnerships for media professionals from across the globe.
