By Binsal Abdulkader

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2023 (WAM) -- The annual Global Media Congress in Abu Dhabi is an opportunity for the world nations to find new approaches to address global issues through the media, a top Philippine diplomat told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

"The Philippines is in full support of this initiative. We believe in the value of nations working together to explore new approaches to address global issues and concerns, through the media," said Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE.

2nd edition of GMC

He made these comments as preparations are underway for the second edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC) 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, Abu Dhabi.

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, as well as over 1,200 media experts, specialists, and influencers from six continents.

Philippine participation at GMC

The Philippines views the UAE as a valuable partner in a host of areas, including media sector; therefore, a delegation of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) took part in the inaugural Global Media Congress (GMC) last year, the ambassador pointed out.

Philippine participation in the GMC allowed PNA to establish linkages with a host of counterparts in government and private media such as the League of Arab States' ArabSat (Arab Satellite Communications Organisation) and Italy's Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), A. Ver explained.

"It was such a valuable opportunity to create linkages and forge partnerships. I think it can be replicated this year as well."

The envoy noted that there are many Filipino media professionals working in the UAE that forms the core of media cooperation between two countries.

"Given the strong friendly relations between the Philippines and the UAE, I think there is so much we can accomplish together. There is so much more potential in many areas, especially in media sector," the diplomat said.