WAM Strengthens Global Media Ties at Belt and Road News Network Council

The Emirates News Agency joins representatives from 38 media organisations across 23 countries in Fuzhou to advance international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and ethical journalism.

In Fuzhou, China’s Fujian Province, the Emirates News Agency gathered with media leaders from across the Belt and Road Initiative to affirm shared commitments to quality journalism, cultural understanding and responsible reporting in an increasingly complex media landscape.

The 4th Council Meeting of the Belt and Road News Network brought together representatives of 38 member media organisations from 23 countries on Tuesday, convened by China’s People’s Daily, which chairs the Council. The gathering addressed the evolving role of news organisations in fostering dialogue across cultures and advancing development agendas within participating nations.

Omar Al Zeyoudi, Director of WAM’s Central Editorial Department, articulated the agency’s vision as an extension of the UAE’s broader commitment to openness, tolerance and international cooperation. He emphasised that WAM’s role transcends the mechanics of news gathering and dissemination; it operates as a bridge between peoples, a vehicle for shared knowledge and a platform for highlighting the development and humanitarian experiences that define our interconnected world.

The conversation moved beyond traditional news exchange into territory increasingly urgent for modern newsrooms. Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of integrating artificial intelligence and contemporary technologies into editorial practices whilst maintaining the professional rigour and ethical standards that remain foundational to credible journalism. The balance between innovation and integrity, he noted, requires careful governance and consensus among media organisations globally.

The agency’s commitment to diversifying its content and expanding partnerships with Chinese media organisations reflects a pragmatic approach to deepening mutual understanding between the UAE and China. Through deliberate knowledge-sharing and collaborative projects, WAM positions itself as an active participant in the Belt and Road Initiative’s cultural and informational dimensions.

The Council’s deliberations culminated in a joint declaration that affirmed media’s responsibility to support development and peace, promote measured discourse and dialogue among civilisations, and deepen operational cooperation among participating organisations. Notably, the declaration underscored the need for intelligent governance of artificial intelligence technologies, recognising both their transformative potential and the necessity for ethical frameworks that protect accuracy and intellectual property.

The Silk Road Global News Awards emerged as a mechanism for encouraging journalistic excellence and human-centred reporting across participating organisations, setting standards for quality and impact that resonate throughout the network.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This Council participation reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position within international media networks and its commitment to shaping global conversations through responsible journalism. WAM’s active engagement demonstrates the emirate’s strategic investment in soft power and cultural diplomacy, extending the UAE’s values of tolerance and openness into the international media sphere.

For Abu Dhabi’s citizens and institutions, this membership in a network spanning 23 countries creates deeper connections to global development initiatives and ensures Emirati perspectives and expertise reach audiences far beyond the region. As artificial intelligence reshapes newsrooms worldwide, Abu Dhabi’s participation in establishing ethical standards for these technologies positions the emirate as a thoughtful voice in navigating the future of journalism itself.

Source: WAM