As the countdown to ABU GA2026 begins, Colombo prepares to welcome a broadcasting community united by conversations that matter, connections that last and a shared responsibility to shape the future of media.

There is something extraordinary about bringing people from different countries, cultures and corners of the broadcasting industry into one room. Different perspectives. Different challenges. Different ambitions. Yet, somewhere between the conversations, the disagreements and the exchange of ideas, common ground begins to emerge.

That, perhaps, is the real power of the ABU General Assembly. In just a few days, the 63^rd ABU General Assembly and Associated Meetings will bring our broadcasting community together in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 30 October to 3 November 2026.

Under the theme “Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust, and Transformation,” GA2026 arrives at a particularly significant moment for our industry. We are navigating a media landscape where technology is advancing faster than many organisations can adapt, where audiences are questioning what they see and hear, and where the responsibility of broadcasters to inform, connect and serve their communities has never been more important.

These are not challenges that any broadcaster can address in isolation. And that is precisely why gathering matters.

Beyond the Agenda

Five days may seem like a short time, but the conversations taking place in Colombo have the potential to influence decisions, inspire partnerships and strengthen relationships long after the final session concludes.

The General Assembly begins with the essential work of our committees, bringing together expertise across sports, programming, technology, planning and strategy. These discussions form the foundation of the ABU’s collective direction, ensuring that the priorities of our members remain at the centre of everything we do.

ABU Broadcasting for All Forum 2026: Building Inclusive, Representative and Accessible Media

15^th Broadcasting for All Forum will explore how broadcasters can better reflect the diversity of the societies they serve, strengthen public trust and ensure that no audience is left behind.

Dr Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Deputy Minister of Mass Media of Sri Lanka, will deliver the keynote address, “Broadcasting for All: Inclusion as a Foundation for Peace, Trust and Humanity,” highlighting the importance of diversity, accessibility and social cohesion in building public confidence in media.

The programme will feature three interconnected discussions reflecting the broader theme of the ABU General Assembly: Truth, Trust and Transformation.

TRUTH – Representing Society Fairly and Authentically: Whose Stories Are We Telling? Broadcasters’ role in ensuring fair and authentic representation, amplify underrepresented voices and reflect diverse cultures, languages and experiences.

TRUST – Accessible Media for Every Audience: No Audience Left Behind

Media content and services accessibility to people of different abilities, ages, languages and levels of digital connectivity.

TRANSFORMATION – Building Inclusive Media Organisations for the Future

Diversity and inclusion being an integral part of organisational culture, leadership, recruitment and decision-making

Broadcasting for All is more than a commitment to reaching wider audiences. It is about ensuring that every community has the opportunity to be seen, heard, represented and respected.

Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation, the Forum aims to turn this commitment into practical action towards a more inclusive and accessible media future.

On 1 November, the Official Opening and Plenary Sessions will bring the wider membership together, followed by the ABU Prizes Gala, a celebration of the creativity, dedication and excellence that continue to define our industry.

The following day, the Media Leaders’ Forum and Super Panel will provide opportunities for senior industry voices to examine the issues shaping broadcasting’s future. Professional discussions will further encourage the exchange of perspectives and practical ideas.

ABU GA 2026: Media Leaders to Explore Trust, AI, Sustainability and the Future of Broadcasting

ABU will host a series of high-level discussions on 2 November 2026, exploring how broadcasters can respond to the challenges of digital transformation while protecting journalistic integrity, public trust and their responsibility to society.

Under the overarching theme “Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust, and Transformation,” the Media Leaders’ Forum, Super Panel and Professional Discussions will bring together perspectives on four critical priorities for the future of broadcasting.

Public Media at a Crossroads – Trust, Relevance and Resilience

The Media Leaders’ Forum will examine how public broadcasters can demonstrate their value to society, safeguard editorial independence, secure sustainable funding and remain relevant to younger and increasingly fragmented audiences.

Media for Peace and Humanity – Truth, Trust, and Transformation

The Super Panel will explore the responsibility of journalism in reducing polarisation, countering misinformation, encouraging dialogue and social cohesion, protecting frontline media workers and ensuring that diverse communities are represented and heard.

AI in Public Media – Innovation with Accountability

The first Professional Discussion will address the ethical and moral responsibilities associated with artificial intelligence in journalism. It will explore human oversight, accountability of AI developers and practical tools such as C2PA for strengthening content authenticity, provenance and public confidence in media.

Building Media Sustainability and Sovereignty in the Region

The second Professional Discussion will focus on how Asian broadcasters can work together to distribute regional content, expand audience reach and develop sustainable revenue opportunities while retaining ownership of their intellectual property and direct relationships with audiences.

Together, these discussions aim to move beyond identifying challenges towards practical recommendations for responsible innovation, resilient public media, stronger regional collaboration and sustainable broadcasting models.

The outcomes will contribute to future ABU initiatives and cooperation among its members.

The Conversations Between the Conversations

Of course, some of the most valuable moments at any General Assembly never appear on the official programme.

They happen over coffee, between sessions, during introductions and in those unexpected conversations where a shared challenge becomes the beginning of a new collaboration.

A broadcaster discovers an innovative approach from another member. Two organisations recognise an opportunity to work together. A conversation that begins with a simple introduction develops into something far more meaningful.

These moments remind us that the ABU is not simply a network of organisations. It is a community of people who share knowledge, experiences and a commitment to moving the industry forward.

A Little Sri Lankan Hospitality

Our hosts have also ensured that GA2026 offers delegates an opportunity to experience something beyond the meeting rooms.

On 3 November, delegates will have the chance to explore the historic Galle Fort before continuing to Cinnamon Bentota Beach for an afternoon of Sri Lankan hospitality, cultural experiences and seaside activities. It is a fitting conclusion to five days of meetings and discussions, offering another opportunity to strengthen friendships and connections in a more relaxed setting.

Five Days That Can Make a Difference

As we approach GA2026, I hope delegates arrive not simply with schedules to follow, but with questions to ask, ideas to share and an openness to perspectives different from their own. Because the true measure of a successful General Assembly is not how many sessions we attend or how many presentations we hear.

It is what we take away, what we put into practice and what we build together afterwards. For more than six decades, the ABU has demonstrated the strength of unity in diversity. GA2026 offers another opportunity to turn that principle into meaningful action.

Five days. One extraordinary gathering. And a future we have the opportunity to shape together. We look forward to welcoming our members and partners to Colombo.

Register now and be part of ABU GA2026: https://ga2026srilanka.abu.org.my/