Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Finance is set to host the second edition of the 'Financial Media Forum' on 1 May, under the theme 'Shaping the Future of Financial Sector: The Balance Between Influence and Responsibility'. The event is organized in collaboration with media and educational institutions across the UAE, aiming to promote transparency and financial literacy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum will gather subject-matter experts and decision-makers to explore current trends in the financial sector and the evolving role of media in shaping public financial awareness. The event will see participation from government officials, representatives from over 40 financial, media, and academic institutions, and more than 100 participants, including journalists, university students specializing in finance and economics, and representatives from both public and private sectors.
Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, will inaugurate the gathering. Confirmed speakers include Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the UAE Media Council; Mohammed Al Hammadi, Acting Director General of Emirates News Agency (WAM); and Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the International Financial Relationship Sector at the MoF. Senior officials from national universities and editors-in-chief of media outlets are also expected to attend.
AlKhoori emphasized that the Financial Media Forum will serve as a strategic platform for media professionals and financial experts to foster a shared understanding of financial and economic developments. The forum aims to empower the community by equipping professionals with the latest knowledge and insights from the financial sector, promoting financial literacy, and improving economic transparency, in line with the government's vision for sustainability and long-term economic growth.
The forum in Dubai will feature a series of panel discussions to explore the future of the UAE's financial sector. Topics on the agenda include the future of the financial landscape, public-private partnerships, sustainability and the future of government spending, the role of media in enhancing financial literacy, and a session on financial awareness and social welfare.
Interactive activities at the forum will include a session on training and employment opportunities for university students in international financial institutions as part of the "UAE Global Cadres" Initiative. A specialized workshop will showcase best practices in financial journalism and highlight governance principles as well as financial data analysis tailored for media professionals. Presentations will enrich dialogue and encourage the exchange of expertise among participants.
The Ministry of Finance launched the first edition of the forum last year under the theme 'Government Financial Data', featuring presentations and interactive panel discussions on topics like government data and public financial awareness, leveraging financial data, and government financial data and statistics. The event attracted representatives from more than 30 media organizations across the country.