The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has announced that Professor Jude William Genilo, Pro Vice Chancellor and Professor of Journalism, Media Studies and Communication, has been appointed to the Global Reference Group (GRG) of DW Akademie, the international media development organisation of Deutsche Welle (DW).

The Global Reference Group is a select advisory body composed of 12 distinguished media and media development experts from regions where DW Akademie operates.

Established in 2024, the group serves as a strategic sounding board for DW Akademie’s management, providing independent perspectives and recommendations on emerging issues, challenges and opportunities in the global media landscape.

Professor Genilo received the appointment through an invitation from Carsten von Nahmen, Managing Director of DW Akademie.

The appointment recognises his extensive experience in journalism education, media development, strategic communication, digital inclusion, and media and information literacy.

The Global Reference Group was created as part of DW Akademie’s commitment to continuous learning, equitable partnerships and inclusive decision-making.

Its mandate includes anticipating emerging media challenges, fostering diverse perspectives, strengthening strategic development and ensuring that the experiences and insights of partner organisations and experts from the Global South are reflected in organisational decision-making.

Speaking about the appointment, Professor Genilo said, “Media development today requires genuine dialogue across regions, cultures and contexts. I am honoured to contribute to DW Akademie’s efforts to build more inclusive, responsive and effective approaches to supporting independent media, freedom of expression and access to quality information worldwide. This appointment also provides an opportunity to bring perspectives from Bangladesh and the broader Global South into global conversations on media development.”

As a member of the Global Reference Group, Professor Genilo will serve a one-year term beginning in June 2026, participating in annual in-person consultations as well as virtual meetings throughout the year.

The group will provide strategic advice and recommendations while maintaining its independence from DW Akademie’s management and decision-making processes.

Professor Genilo is expected to participate in the inaugural consultation workshop of the Global Reference Group in Bonn, Germany, during the last week of June 2026.

The consultation will bring together media development experts from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East to discuss the evolving challenges facing journalism, media sustainability, digital transformation and democratic communication.

While in Germany, he will also attend the internationally renowned Global Media Forum, organised annually by Deutsche Welle.

The forum convenes journalists, media leaders, policymakers, academics, civil society representatives and technology experts from around the world to discuss pressing issues affecting media, democracy, human rights and digital communication.

Professor Genilo’s appointment further strengthens ULAB’s engagement with international networks dedicated to advancing media development, communication rights, responsible communication and democratic participation.

It also highlights the growing recognition of Bangladeshi scholars and practitioners in shaping global discussions on journalism, media innovation and communication for social change.