#Abu Dhabi #Global South #UAE #Viory #BRIDGE Summit

Global South Video News Awards Ignite a New Era at the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi

On December 10, 2025, the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural Global South Video News Awards, a landmark event that marked the powerful debut of Viory, the video news agency representing the Global South. Aimed at bringing attention to the rich and diverse stories from this impactful region, the awards ceremony was a celebration of exceptional journalistic achievements in visual storytelling.

The event was hosted by the renowned media personality Mai Maxwell, known in the industry as maisvault. With a vibrant and diverse audience including major broadcasters, video journalists, and industry leaders from various sectors of the Global South, the ceremony underscored the importance of accurate and engaging storytelling in today’s media landscape.

Viory's mission to amplify voices from the Global South is crucial, especially in an era where misinformation is rampant. Alex Kobia, Viory’s African Distribution Lead, delivered a stirring keynote speech that set the tone for the evening. He stated, “Today, the Global South is not emerging - it has arrived. Its stories deserve to be told with accuracy, depth, and integrity.” Kobia emphasized the agency's commitment to supporting over 3,000 journalists dedicated to providing credible news and insights.

Highlighting the significance of visual journalism, Shahd Alabdouli, a content creator and youth representative from the UAE, shared reflections on her humanitarian missions in regions like Al-Arish and Rafah. She stressed the essential role visual media plays in preserving human dignity, amplifying unheard voices, and ensuring that humanity remains at the center of every story.

The awards ceremony featured a distinguished judging panel composed of over 20 senior professionals representing some of the largest media organizations from across the Global South. Notable attendees included representatives from Clarín (Argentina), Hindustan Times (India), Korean Broadcasting System (South Korea), TeleSUR (Venezuela), and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, all of whom witnessed the excellence honored that night.

The winners of the inaugural Global South Video News Awards were celebrated for their outstanding contributions:

• - Best Camerawork: Maxi Jonas
• - Most Creative Shot: Enrique Ortiz
• - Exclusive Lens: Masoud Al Jarousha
• - Vital Footage Award: Ernest Dela Aglanu

These individuals were recognized for their innovative storytelling techniques that not only captivate audiences but also spotlight crucial issues affecting their communities.

As the evening came to a close, Viory reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing credible reporting and solidifying journalist networks in the Global South. The intention behind the awards is not only to celebrate excellence but to ensure that vital narratives from the region achieve the visibility they deserve.

About Viory

Viory stands as a beacon for diverse perspectives emerging from the Global South. Operating from the heart of Abu Dhabi, UAE, the agency offers a trusted resource for vital news stories that encompass a variety of subjects, including politics, technology, sports, business, and entertainment. The agency boasts a library of over 180,000 videos, with around 65 new videos introduced daily. Furthermore, Viory provides more than 400 hours of live content each month, available in six different languages.

With its expansive network of on-the-ground video journalists, Viory strives to deliver timely and accurate global and regional breaking news, ensuring that every significant story is told and shared around the world.