Media has a stellar role to play in innovation

With billions across the world placing their trust and commitment to support the vision and collaborative plans, it is vital that media rewrite the rules of engagement and social co-existence, paving the way for the people to communicate, socialize and innovate in a better way.

A high-energy discussion, well attended by pioneers and experts from all over the globe, pondered over the various facets of media innovations to improve the social fabric and innovation.

The discussion was part of an Innovation Theatre organized within the context of the 2008 World Summit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (WSIE) - the most inspiring gathering of its kind currently under way in Dubai.

Being organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the 2008 WSIE being held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel till April 3, 2008 has brought together over 800 delegates from all walks of life.

The debate focusing on 'Media Unbound: Unchain the Channels' merged with an equally provocative theme: 'Social Innovations: Moving Beyond the Star, the Cross & the Crescent', was held in a very innovative candle-lit themed theatre.

Starting the discussions, renowned genius Paul Kwiecinski, Founder of Face the Music, and Rives - the multimedia poet and artist, said that inter-religious understanding needs to be further enhanced for innovative partnerships that produce value across all levels of the society.

While well-known artist-activist Mishel Elefteriades said the cultural difference is sown by powers-to-be who aim to 'divide and reign', award-winning author Asra Nomani felt the time is come to challenge ideas, innovate, drive improved tolerance and cross cultural collaborations.

David Rolston, CEO of Forterra, felt that the fundamental problem was truth identification and many a times, the media and religion are used to drive conflicts. "While it is individual choice to hold on to one's own beliefs, the paramount aspect is to respect others' faiths. Similarly the new media, internet and blogs have brought about a dramatic change in the way people communicate. This has become a good platform for everyone across the globe to express themselves. Media has helped in empowering people to be creative," he said.

Claude Begle, Chairman of the Divisional Board and Executive Vice-President of Deutsche Post World Net, said that in a globalized world, link in mindsets could be a make-or-break situation. "The changing rules and regulations in the globalized world have had a major impact on the age-old cultural values. In any religion, the vital aspects are link to God, goodness to others and following the set traditions. The need is to get a convergence. In this context, the media can be a booster and at the same time kill one's reputation. A balance between the two is imperative."

Ignacio de la Vega, Director of Centre for International Entrepreneurship Instituto Empressa, referred to embracing entrepreneurship and innovation as antidotes to poverty while Paul Jeremaes, Director of HP Invent Centers, felt that the end-users should be involved in the innovation process and organizations like HP have a huge role to play in enabling this.

More than 800 attendees are expected over the three days of innovation theatres, interactive workshops and thematic experiences to build a foundation for increased innovation. The 2008 WSIE presents an impressive line-up of remarkable leaders and personalities including designers, policymakers, technologists, communicators, spiritual gurus, economists, storytellers, humanitarians, chief executives and musicians from across the globe.

The 2008 WSIE is supported by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), multiple agencies of the United Nations, the African Union and leading international business councils and multinational corporations. Strategic sponsors include Sorouh, HP, Agility, Geopost, PepsiCo, Nokia Siemens Networks with CNBC Arabiya as the official broadcaster and Emirates Airlines as the official carrier.