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

A Celebration of Storytelling: Global South Video News Awards

On December 10, 2025, Viory, the innovative video news agency for the Global South, marked a significant milestone with the inaugural Global South Video News Awards at the prestigious BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi. This momentous event served as a platform to honor the achievements of video journalists from the Global South, whose compelling narratives are crucial in showcasing the region’s diverse stories.

The BRIDGE Summit, recognized as the largest debut media conference globally, attracted an eclectic mix of participants, including prominent broadcasters, video journalists, and industry leaders. The ceremony, hosted by the engaging media personality Mai Maxwell, showcased the pivotal role of visual journalism in shaping global conversations.

Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from major media organizations such as the African Union of Broadcasting and Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development, reflecting the summit's international acclaim. The collaboration also involved partnerships with esteemed UAE organizations, including the Emirates News Agency, TRENDS Research Advisory, and notable universities like Abu Dhabi University and the University of Sharjah.

Addressing the audience, Alex Kobia, who serves as the African Distribution Lead at Viory, delivered an inspirational keynote. He emphasized the importance of the Global South's narratives, stating that it has already arrived and deserves acknowledgment for its accuracy, depth, and integrity. He poignantly highlighted, "Verified visual journalism is essential in an age shaped by rapid change and misinformation," underscoring Viory's commitment to supporting over 3,000 journalists dedicated to delivering clarity and on-the-ground truth.

Following Kobia’s address, Shahd Alabdouli, a prominent content creator and youth representative from the UAE, shared her insightful reflections. Drawing from her humanitarian missions in regions like Syria, she elucidated the importance of visual journalism in preserving dignity and amplifying unheard voices, reinforcing the idea that humanity is at the core of every story.

The panel of judges consisted of over 20 seasoned professionals hailing from leading international media entities across the Global South, including Clarín (Argentina) and Hindustan Times (India). Their expertise ensured that the awards honored outstanding contributions to the field. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of four exceptional winners for their remarkable work in visual storytelling:
- Best Camerawork winner - Maxi Jonas
- Most Creative Shot winner - Enrique Ortiz
- Exclusive Lens awardee - Masoud Al Jarousha
- Vital Footage Award recipient - Ernest Dela Aglanu

As the ceremony concluded, Viory reiterated its enduring commitment to fostering credible reporting and enhancing journalist communities. Their emphasis on ensuring that vital stories from the Global South receive the attention they deserve marks a vital step in the evolution of the media landscape.

About Viory

Viory is the leading video news agency of the Global South, with a focus on empowering and amplifying diverse narratives emerging from its geographic heartland. Based in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, UAE, Viory prides itself on being a trusted source for essential news stories. Their extensive library contains over 180,000 videos, and they add approximately 65 new videos daily to their platform. Viory also provides more than 400 hours of live streams each month in six languages, bringing comprehensive coverage of topics from breaking news to politics, sports, and entertainment.

With a rapidly growing team of industry professionals, Viory is committed to sourcing impactful footage from around the globe, ensuring that the untold stories of the Global South continue to reach audiences far and wide.