The representatives of governments from across the world, convened at the inaugural Global Media Dialogue (GMD) in India
MUMBAI: On day two of World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), 77 nations adopted the ‘WAVES Declaration’. The declaration talked about encouraging the responsible use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). The member countries have agreed to collaborate on giving voice to traditions and heritage, while promoting creativity in the era of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
“The representatives of governments from across the world, convened at the inaugural Global Media Dialogue (GMD) in India, to reaffirm the critical role of media and entertainment in fostering global harmony,” the declaration said.
The GMD was held in the WAVES in the presence of Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union External Affairs Minister, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting. Addressing the event at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the Union external affairs minister said that pluralism was suppressed by colonialism and big power dominance in the past and it has become essential to give voice to traditions, heritage and ideas amid attempts to democratise the international system. “We all speak of a world order under transformation. It is vital to recognize that the process of change actually has a strong cultural dimension. The truth is that the world is intrinsically and essentially diverse and that pluralism has been suppressed in the past by both colonialism and big power dominance,” Dr. Jaishankar noted.
The minister further said that there are many voices, many experiences and many truths, which form the world. “Each one has a right to express themselves and must be facilitated to do so,” he said.
The union minister said that technology and tradition must go hand in hand, as technology can strengthen awareness of India’s vast heritage and deepen consciousness about it, especially for the younger generations. “It is crucial that young talent is made ready for an age of creative collaborations through relevant skill development. Innovation is key to the leapfrogging that will build Viksit Bharat,” he added.
Addressing the representatives of the 77 countries at the GMD, Union minister for information and broadcasting urged for joint funds for new technologies. “We believe in the tie ups, collaborations between governments, industry and creators. These collaborations have a huge value. The practical steps in this include co-production treaties, easing licenses, easing talent movement, having joint funds, having jointly created standards, and clear roles for upcoming technology,” he said.
Mr. Vaishnaw also announced the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. He said the institute has already commenced work and has aligned with a few tech and media giants for collaborative efforts towards IICT. These include NVIDIA, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Star India and Adobe.
