India to Host World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Goa

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwani Vaishnaw announced that India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Goa from November 20 to 24. The summit aims to bolster the Media and Entertainment industry through innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwani Vaishnaw, revealed on Saturday that India will serve as the host for the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from November 20 to 24 in Goa. This event is poised to be a pivotal moment for the global Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry. Vaishnaw disclosed this during a curtain-raiser event in New Delhi, in the presence of Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan, according to a press release by @MIB_India.

Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw said, "The media and entertainment world is undergoing a structural change and has seen immense technology infusion. This has opened many opportunities, but on the other hand, also caused concerns among some participants who have not been able to keep up with the change." He further emphasized the role of public policy in enabling the best outcomes from these changes, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

The minister also pointed out that the government is committed to supporting the M&E ecosystem through both structural and procedural efforts aimed at fostering employment and enhancing the talent pipeline. "These efforts will ensure the creation of an ecosystem that encourages high-quality content, creates and protects IP rights in the country, and positions India as a natural choice for establishing content creation centers," Vaishnaw stated.

Highlighting the synergy between WAVES and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Vaishnaw noted that WAVES represents the input while IFFI is the output, establishing Goa as a significant hub for creativity and talent. He thanked the Chief Minister of Goa for co-hosting WAVES 2024 with IFFI, creating a convergence of opportunities.

At the event, the WAVES 2024 website and summit brochure were launched. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant remarked that IFFI has been a symbol of cinematic excellence and WAVES will add a new dimension by focusing on the emerging M&E sector. He invited the industry to Goa for collaborative and innovative efforts.

Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan highlighted that WAVES 2024 aligns with PM Modi's vision of attracting global M&E leaders to India. The summit aims to provide a platform that fosters dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation within the evolving M&E landscape, while positioning India as a global leader.

(With inputs from agencies.)