The Global Media Dialogue, held during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai, brought together delegates from 77 countries to discuss the transformative role of media and entertainment in fostering global peace, harmony, and creativity. The dialogue, culminating in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration, emphasized that “global collaborations on promoting creativity, while understanding cross-cultural sensitivities, is the way ahead.”
A Platform for Global Unity
The dialogue highlighted the power of films as a medium to bridge cultural divides, with participating nations lauding Indian cinema’s role in bringing global audiences closer. Films, as an entertaining form of storytelling, were recognized as a force for collaboration. The rise of individual stories in the creator economy, fueled by technology, was also noted as a defining trend reshaping the entertainment landscape. Concerns about responsible journalism were raised, with nations advocating for mutual collaborations through the WAVES platform to address these challenges.
“Films depicting cultures across the world hold immense potential in bringing people closer, and Indian cinema plays a pivotal role in this.” — Global Media Dialogue, WAVES 2025
Key Addresses: Vision for a Creative Future
Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, described WAVES 2025 as a “microcosm of the global community,” uniting content creators, policymakers, actors, writers, producers, and visual artists to chart the future of the media and entertainment sector. He emphasized the need to give voice to traditions, heritage, and creativity amid a transforming world order with a strong cultural dimension.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the synergy between technology and tradition, noting that technology can deepen awareness of cultural heritage, especially among younger generations. He stressed the importance of preparing young talent for creative collaborations through skill development and underscored the role of innovation in building a “Viksit Bharat”. In the context of AI, he advocated for responsible use of emerging technologies, emphasizing ethical content creation and bias reduction.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, set the tone in his welcome address, stating, “Culture inspires creativity, which connects people across borders.” He highlighted the rapid evolution of content creation and consumption driven by technology and called for incentivizing local content creation. Welcoming delegates to Mumbai, the “city of dreams,” he stressed the need for co-production treaties, joint funds, and a declaration to bridge the digital divide, foster brotherhood, and promote global peace. He envisioned transforming the global bridge of creativity into an “expressway of ideas.”
Create in India Challenges: A Global Talent Hunt
India showcased the success of the 32 Create in India Challenges, which identified over 700 top creators globally in the first season of WAVES. Starting next edition, these challenges will be conducted in 25 global languages to discover creative talent across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, enabling them to showcase their work at the WAVES forum. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to nurturing a global creator economy.
Distinguished Presence
The event was graced by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (I&B), alongside other senior officials. Ministerial-level delegations from participating nations enriched the deliberations, sharing insights on fostering creativity and responsible media practices.
The WAVES Declaration: A Roadmap for Collaboration
The adoption of the WAVES Declaration marked a milestone, with member nations committing to widen creative spaces, bridge the digital divide, and promote global peace and harmony through media and entertainment. The declaration emphasizes cross-cultural sensitivities, responsible journalism, and the ethical use of technology, aligning with India’s vision of a connected and inclusive global community.
The Global Media Dialogue at WAVES 2025 reaffirmed the transformative potential of media as a tool for cultural exchange and collaboration. As India leads the charge in shaping a future-ready media and entertainment sector, platforms like WAVES are paving the way for a more creative, inclusive, and harmonious world.
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