WAVES 2025: Global Media Dialogue in Mumbai Calls for Cross-Cultural Collaborations and Responsible Storytelling

Mumbai: At the heart of the ongoing World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), the Global Media Dialogue held in Mumbai brought together delegates from 77 nations, highlighting the power of creative collaboration in bridging cultural divides and promoting global harmony. The Dialogue culminated in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration, underlining the shared commitment of member nations to foster inclusive growth in the media and entertainment sector.

One of the key takeaways from the Dialogue was the collective agreement that “Global collaborations on promoting creativity is the way ahead,” with due sensitivity to the cross-cultural nuances that shape each nation’s identity. Delegates emphasized that widening creative spaces within countries is vital as the world works together to bridge the digital divide.

Member nations acknowledged the significant role of cinema as a cultural ambassador, particularly recognizing the contribution of Indian films in connecting global audiences. With storytelling becoming increasingly interactive and tech-enabled, the convergence of individual stories and digital tools is rapidly reshaping the entertainment landscape and creator economy.

While discussions centered around collaboration, nations also flagged the growing need to promote responsible journalism in an interconnected media ecosystem. Participants proposed using platforms like WAVES to address these concerns through shared values and mutual cooperation.

Calling WAVES 2025 a microcosm of the global community, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Government of India, emphasized the need to preserve and amplify cultural heritage. He noted that the world order, deeply rooted in culture, is currently undergoing transformation.

“It is essential that we give voice to our traditions, heritage, ideas, practices, and creativity,” he said, adding that technology must be harnessed to strengthen heritage awareness, particularly among the youth.

Dr. Jaishankar also highlighted the enormous potential of AI and emerging technologies, stressing the need for responsible use, bias reduction, and ethical content creation. He called for a shift in mindsets, policies, and practices to prepare a global workforce equipped for creative collaboration. “Innovation is key to the leapfrogging that will build Viksit Bharat,” he affirmed.

Setting the tone for the event, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed international delegates to Mumbai — the “city of dreams” — and stressed the need for incentivizing local content creation amid rapidly evolving technology.

“Culture inspires creativity, which connects people across borders,” he said. “We must transform the global bridge of creativity into an expressway of ideas.”

Minister Vaishnaw called for greater international cooperation through co-production treaties, joint funding mechanisms, and actionable declarations to promote peace and harmony through content.

During the deliberations, India showcased the success of its 32 ‘Create in India’ challenges, which identified over 700 top creators worldwide in the first season of WAVES. Going forward, these challenges will be conducted in 25 global languages, ensuring inclusive participation and spotlighting diverse talents on the WAVES platform.

Dignitaries and Support

The event was also attended by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (I&B), along with other senior officials. Their presence reflected India’s commitment to making WAVES a flagship global forum for policy exchange, creative partnerships, and industry innovation.