By Binsal Abdulkader
ABU DHABI, 30th October, 2023 (WAM) — The upcoming Global Media Congress (GMC) in Abu Dhabi will write a crucial chapter in cooperation among media that can lead to experience-sharing in adopting new technologies, Iñigo de Palacio España, the Spanish Ambassador to the UAE, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“The Congress can provide a forum to discuss and find solutions to common challenges faced by media organisations worldwide, such as combating misinformation, adapting to digital transformation, and ensuring editorial independence,” he emphasised.
127 sessions, 27 workshops at 2nd GMC
España made these comments as preparations are underway for the second edition of the Global Media Congress, slated to take place from November 14th to 16th, 2023. The event will have a total of around 127 sessions, 27 workshops, six media labs and a wide variety of other programmes and exhibitions, focusing on the most relevant issues related to the future of the media sector.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the three-day Global Media Congress is organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with WAM at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
GMC to help strengthen media ties
The Spanish Ambassador said the Global Media Congress has the potential to significantly contribute to strengthening the existing bilateral cooperation in the media sector.
He said cooperation between media sectors in both countries, in turn, will strengthen overall bilateral relations.
“Such collaboration would foster mutual understanding, bridge cultural gaps, and promote shared interests. I can think of various ways in which media institutions in both countries can work together for common benefit: joint production and content sharing, cultural exchanges, participation in events and conferences, educational activities and collaborating in social campaigns where the goals of our respective institutions are aligned, among other initiatives,” España explained.
By implementing these strategies, the envoy suggested, media institutions in both countries could contribute to a more informed, connected, and cooperative global community, ultimately strengthening bilateral relations.
“We look forward to the Congress that will facilitate a direct exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, which can lead to a deeper understanding and collaboration. Also, it can build personal connections and relationships that can lead to future collaborations, joint projects, and information sharing.”
3-day conference with over 30 sessions
Under the slogan ‘Shaping the Future of the Media Industry,’ this year’s GMC will include a three-day conference with over 30 sessions in which globally prominent media leaders and scholars will discuss vital issues relevant to the industry. The main themes that will be deliberated upon this year will include innovation, media education, sports journalism, environmental journalism and the role of the youth.
Sessions dedicated to contemporary hot topics such as AI in media, AR and VR in coverage of global sports events, the prospects of the metaverse, developmental journalism and the imperative of close cooperation between the media industry, media schools and technology giants will serve as vibrant platforms for industry leaders to offer insights and futuristic projections.
The exhibition accompanying the Congress will not only showcase the latest technologies from leading brands as well as startups relevant to the media, but also provide an opportunity for commercial deals between technology companies and media outlets.