India to Host First Global Media Dialogue in Mumbai with 60+ Nations
In a historic step that reflects India's growing importance in the international media and entertainment sector, India will host the first-ever Global Media Dialogue (GMD) in Mumbai as part of the overall WAVES initiative. The conference will see representation from more than 60 nations, including Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and others, with delegations present at ministerial and senior official levels.
Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, the GMD is set to be a major platform for international cooperation and collaboration in the media sector. The Dialogue seeks to promote exchange of best practices, policy convergence, talent sharing, and capacity building in the constantly changing global media and entertainment industry.
One of the main attractions of the event will be the endorsement of the 'WAVES Declaration', an official statement from participating nations confirming their intention to enhance global media cooperation. The declaration will lay the groundwork for future discussions and long-term alliances between nations working in the field of media and entertainment.
India, with its strong media environment and one of the world's fastest-growing entertainment sectors, is well placed to spearhead this international effort. In a statement, it was said that hosting the GMD positions India at the forefront of global discussion on the role of media in shaping modern societies and world narratives.
The Dialogue will address the pivotal role of media and entertainment in shaping socio-economic development and international relations. It will provide a forum for frank discussions on the implications of technological change, new content trends, and rising global interconnectedness.
On the margins of the summit, India is also holding bilateral talks with more than 10 nations, such as the UK, Russia, Indonesia, Kenya, Bhutan, and Egypt, and international agencies like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These talks are focused on intensifying cooperation in areas of common interest.
The GMD will be graced by Indian leadership at the highest level, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State for I&B L. Murugan, underscoring the significance India attaches to global media collaborations.
The event represents a significant milestone in India's emergence as a world leader in media and entertainment thought.
