By Binsal Abdulkader
ABU DHABI, 24th July, 2023 (WAM) — The annual Global Media Congress (GMC) in Abu Dhabi proves the UAE’s capability to gather all parties in the media sector for effective collaboration, in preparation for future media, according to a top Indonesian diplomat.
“The first edition of the Global Media Congress in 2022 was proof that the UAE is a visionary leader in the region that prepares for future media,” said Husin Bagis, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE.
“In an era of rapid technological developments, we need to continue to collaborate so as not to be left behind by developments in the media sector. I think the first GMC succeeded in becoming just that: a platform for collaboration,” he pointed out.
Bagis made these comments as preparations are underway for the second edition of the Global Media Congress that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court.
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with Emirates News Agency (WAM), the prominent international conference-cum-exhibition in the media sector will take place from 14th to 16th November, 2023, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi.
The ambassador explained that Indonesia participated in the first GMC with five media organisations and one of them signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WAM on the sidelines of the event.
He said he would encourage more Indonesian media organisations to participate in the GMC this year, given the benefits participants gained from its first edition last year.
“Currently, there are two MoUs between Indonesia and the UAE in the media sector, of which one was signed at the first GMC. I hope that more partnerships will be formed at GMC [by Indonesian participants and others],” Bagis said.
“The key to collaboration is getting to know each other. GMC is an opportunity to meet each other and explore the media potential of participating countries,” he emphasised.
The envoy is looking forward to this year’s GMC to know the latest trends in media management and the evolution of media in tandem with technological developments. “This is certainly interesting to watch – how the media industry is evolving and catching up with rapid technological advancements to survive in the highly competitive market,” he added.
He also finds the GMC an opportunity for Indonesia to introduce its media professionals to the UAE’s media industry. “Indonesia has many talented and skilled workers in the media sector, who can explore opportunities in the UAE’s thriving media sector.”
GMC’s first edition in November 2022, under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Media Industry,” had attracted over 13,656 visitors.
The global event featured an exhibition, more than 30 debates and workshops, and over 162 globally renowned speakers. It was attended by more than 192 media establishments from 42 countries and over 1,200 media experts, specialists, and influencers from six continents.