ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research and Advisory participated in the 7th BRICS Media Forum, which was held in Moscow from September 13-17, 2024. Ali Abdullah Al-Ali, researcher and Director of TRENDS Dubai Department, made a scholarly contribution during a roundtable discussion on “BRICS Media: Technological Transformation Towards a New World”.
On the sidelines of the Forum, TRENDS signed a research and media cooperation agreement with the Russian News Agency ITAR-TASS to enhance the exchange of scientific and media research and collaborate on opinion polls, training, and specialised consultations.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, by Ali Abdullah Al-Ali and on behalf of TASS by Andrey Kondrashov, Director General of the agency.
Joint Research Initiatives
The strategic cooperation agreement between TRENDS and TASS aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, information and research data, enhancing the quality and diversity of media and research content. The agreement focuses on conducting joint research and studies on regional and international issues of mutual interest. It also includes launching joint research initiatives and organising conferences, seminars, workshops and training sessions to foster the exchange of skills and expertise.
A Multipolar World
During the roundtable on “BRICS Media: Technological Transformation Towards a New World”, Ali Abdullah Al-Ali emphasised the crucial role of media in BRICS countries in representing shared interests on the global stage. He noted that technological advancements provide new opportunities for BRICS nations to use media as a tool for promoting cooperation and advocating for a multipolar world.
He highlighted that the digital age has drastically changed media production, offering new avenues for innovation. AI-driven journalism, automated content generation, and real-time analytics are reshaping how media content is delivered.
Enhancing Cultural Exchange
Al-Ali pointed out that the use of modern technologies promotes cultural exchange and fosters sustainable relationships between nations. One of the most promising opportunities for BRICS lies in establishing a robust collaborative media system through sustainable partnerships among the media outlets of member countries.
He emphasised the pivotal role played by think tanks and research centres in analysing technological transformations across sectors. Their data-driven insights help understand the impact of technological advancements on media and shape policies to ensure that technology enhances media's role.
Al-Ali added that research centres also provide scientific recommendations that can help BRICS governments and media institutions create an environment that encourages innovation while maintaining ethical standards. The global technological shift is not just an opportunity but a responsibility, and through innovation and collaboration, BRICS countries can lead the way in building a new global media landscape.
Exploring Knowledge Cooperation
The TRENDS team participating in the 7th BRICS Media Forum explored avenues for research, knowledge and media cooperation with several forum participants. These included Dr. Ivan Melnikov, Director General of the BRICS Artificial Intelligence Agency; Abdulla Khalil Buhejji, Director General of Bahrain News Agency; and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Director General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) News Agencies Union.