In a major initiative to enhance global cooperation in the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, the Government of India hosted a high-level session on WAVES 2025 today at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event, which was organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), sought to engage the international community ahead of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which is set to take place in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May 2025.

Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan graced the occasion along with Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra Ms. Sujata Saunik and Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju. Around 100 Ambassadors and High Commissioners were part of the event.

A key highlight of the event was the MoU exchange between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Government of Maharashtra, strengthening collaboration in media, entertainment, and digital outreach.

Addressing the session, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, said “The intersection of creativity, media and technology is transforming the media landscape of the world and reaching a new level of convergence. The Minister said that Creator community from all walks of life can create content of high value and is the basic concept of WAVES 2025.” We are inviting some of the biggest names of technology, media and entertainment for WAVES 2025 to be held in Mumbai from 1^st May to 4^th May 2025.” Elaborating various Indian efforts in global arena, The  Minister also invited all the stakeholders to come together to participate in the WAVES 2025 and boost the global creator economy.

In his address, Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said “WAVES will serve as a pivotal platform for fostering discussions, collaboration, and innovation for the Media and Entertainment industry. This event will unite industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore opportunities, address challenges, and shape the future of the sector.” The Minister said “Economic and political rebalancing is moving towards cultural balancing. We are not truly global if we are not truly local. WAVES 2025 captures the spirit of this endeavour” Union Minister Shri Jaishankar also urged the ambassadors and high commissioners to familiarise their Governments regarding the opportunities of global collaborations under WAVES 2025.”

In his special remarks, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis said “Mumbai, the financial and entertainment capital of India, serves as the perfect backdrop for WAVES 2025, seamlessly blending ancient and modern cultural influences while fostering collaboration and cultural diplomacy in the media and entertainment sector.” He added “WAVES 2025 is a movement underscoring the evolving role of media in technological advancements and social transformation. Maharashtra remains committed to fostering investment and building global partnerships that drive innovation." Welcoming the setting up of Indian Institute of Creative Technology, Shri Fadnavis expressed hope that "media will continue to be a force for good," shaping a future where technology and creativity converge to inspire and connect the world.”

In his closing remarks, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan said “The WAVES Summit 2025 opens the door to joint ventures, co-productions, and business expansion, enabling global media companies to engage with India's creative sector. Union Minister of State also said “The Government of India remains steadfast in creating a conducive environment for the M&E industry, supporting ease of doing business, content localization, and infrastructure development.”

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, I&B in his remarks, said “WAVES is the world’s first convergence platform for the entire Media & Entertainment sector. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional and emerging media, build global partnerships, and utilize India’s rich cultural traditions in content creation and technological innovation.”

He further added that the first edition of WAVES is designed with multiple tracks to create a meaningful impact. The Global Media Dialogue will feature ministers and policymakers, culminating in the WAVES Declaration as a guiding policy document. The Thought Leaders Track will host knowledge-sharing sessions with industry experts. The WAVES Exhibition will showcase storytelling innovations, immersive experiences, and a gaming arena. The Bharat Pavilion will highlight India's media heritage and future. Secretary Shri Jaju also said that the WAVES Bazaar will facilitate business networking, while the WaveXcelerator will support media startups with mentorship and funding. WAVES Culturals will feature diverse performances, blending Indian and international talent.

WAVES 2025: Media and Entertainment as a Unifying Force in the Digital Age

Recognizing the transformative power of media and entertainment, the participants of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will gather in Mumbai during 1^st May-4th May 2025. This historic summit will bring together global leaders, media professionals, artists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The digital age presents both challenges and opportunities. Artificial intelligence, streaming revolutions, intellectual property rights, misinformation, and media sustainability are key concerns. As the first-ever event of its kind, WAVES 2025 will address these issues by promoting cultural diversity, innovation, and equitable access to media platforms.

The summit will uphold the highest standards of creativity, inclusivity, and responsibility in content creation and dissemination. It will emphasize the need for ethical storytelling and fair representation.

By viewing the world through the prism of harmony, WAVES 2025 aspires to inspire meaningful connections, collaborative progress, and cultural unity. This session will be a crucial step in reinforcing the media and entertainment industry's role as the biggest unifying factor between country to country, people to people and culture to culture in the digital age. WAVES 2025 emphasizes the power of unity by focusing on shared concerns, challenges faced by humanity, shared opportunities, collaborative growth and progress. This vision positions WAVES 2025 as a global platform for harmony, fostering meaningful dialogue and action that transcend borders.

The integration of WAVES 2025 within the Orange Economy highlights its role in leveraging the media and entertainment industries for economic growth and job creation. This aligns perfectly with its mission of global harmony, as creative industries serve as powerful tools for cultural exchange and unity.

By hosting WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, the summit will provide a forum for thought leaders. They will discuss how the media industry can act as the biggest unifying factor in a rapidly changing world. The sector serves as a powerful catalyst for cultural diplomacy, bridging divides between people, cultures, and nations.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Shreejith