Global South storytelling takes centre stage at Abu Dhabi’s Bridge Summit

Inaugural Global South Video News Awards spotlight the journalists reshaping global narratives

Abu Dhabi reinforced its growing status as a global media hub this week as the inaugural Global South Video News Awards made a striking debut at the Bridge Summit.

Hosted by Viory, the UAE-based video news agency dedicated to elevating stories from the Global South, the ceremony placed a long-overdue spotlight on the journalists shaping how the world understands one of its most dynamic regions.

The presence of major media organisations from across the Global South added weight to the moment, underscoring how seriously the international industry views this rising media force.

Held during the world’s largest debut media conference, the awards brought together broadcasters, creators, editors and entrepreneurs from across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The atmosphere was one of pride and anticipation, reflecting a growing appetite to recognise the significance of visual journalism emerging from the Global South.

The ceremony opened with media personality Mai Maxwell (maisvault), whose energy on stage set the tone for an event that balanced celebration with a strong sense of purpose. Known for her authentic and resonant storytelling, her role symbolised the expanding influence of Global South voices on the international media landscape.

That theme continued in the opening address by Alex Kobia, Viory’s African Distribution Lead, who spoke about the significance of the moment. “The Global South is not emerging - it has arrived,” he said.

In a rapidly shifting media environment, he emphasised the importance of verified, on-the-ground visual journalism, highlighting Viory’s network of more than 3,000 video journalists worldwide. Their mission, he noted, is “to bring clarity, credibility and human depth to stories that might otherwise be overlooked or underrepresented.”

UAE youth representative Shahd Alabdouli also shared brief reflections from her humanitarian work in Al-Arish, Syria and Rafah. Her remarks served as a quiet but powerful reminder that behind every piece of footage lies a human experience and that journalism carries a responsibility to preserve truth.

One of the strongest indicators of the awards’ ambition was the breadth of its judging panel. More than 20 senior media figures participated, representing leading Global South outlets including Clarín (Argentina), Hindustan Times (India), Korean Broadcasting System (South Korea), TeleSUR (Venezuela) and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Their involvement underscored both the credibility of the awards and a shared commitment to elevating underrepresented voices.

The four winners honoured each brought a distinct perspective to visual storytelling:

• Best Camerawork: Maximiliano Jonas

• Most Creative Shot: Enrique Ortiz

• Exclusive Lens: Masoud Al Jarousha

• Vital Footage Award: Ernest Dela Aglanu

Their work was widely praised for its impact, courage and ability to capture defining moments that strengthened storytelling and delivered vital narratives.

As the ceremony concluded, Viory reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening journalist communities, supporting credible reporting and ensuring that essential stories from the Global South receive the visibility they deserve. For a news agency headquartered in Abu Dhabi, this reflects both a regional responsibility and a global opportunity.

With the UAE investing heavily in media innovation and positioning itself as a bridge between global markets, the launch of these awards signals more than a single event. It marks a growing confidence in Global South storytellers and a belief that when their narratives are told accurately and authentically, they enrich global understanding.

What emerged from Bridge in Abu Dhabi was more than an awards ceremony. It was the beginning of a new chapter in how the world sees and values Global South storytelling with Viory firmly at its centre.