Latest news with #Voces
Daily News Egypt
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Global South media alliance launched in Caracas to counter ‘Western narratives'
CARACAS – Delegates from some 50 countries have launched a 'Journalists' Alliance for Communication of the Global South' at a forum in Caracas, aimed at countering what they described as Western media dominance and promoting alternative narratives. The 'Voices of the New World' (Voces del Nuevo Mundo) forum, which brought together more than 220 communicators, journalists, researchers and influencers, including a representative from Daily News Egypt, sought to promote a new international information order, defend truth as a right of the people and reaffirm support for the Palestinian cause. According to its final declaration, the new alliance will be a 'permanent space for action' to guarantee informational sovereignty, respect for cultural diversity and the integral development of nations. 'Peoples have the right to the truth. To live it, to tell it and to know it,' the declaration stated, adding that participants stressed the importance of truth in upholding values such as peace and equality, and proposed decolonising narratives that reflect the realities of the Global South. In his welcome speech, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil said that in the face of the resurgence and domination of 'media imperialism, our voices have to be increasingly stronger, more intense'. He called for an alliance between different platforms 'so that we can tell the truth, so that our truth can be heard in the world'. The forum, held in the Venezuelan capital from 29 to 31 July, included delegates from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Iran, China, the United States, Spain, South Africa, Lebanon and Russia. Throughout the event, speakers addressed topics including media manipulation, fake news and the concept of truth. Venezuelan communicator and deputy Gustavo Villapol discussed the influence of algorithms on various communication platforms, which he said could leave lasting effects on users' minds. Russian speaker Daria Yuryeva highlighted the diminishing visibility of news websites in the face of the growing popularity of social media. She invited journalists to adapt to 'the new reality' by studying algorithms and creating alternative platforms with democratic usage policies to avoid 'restrictive measures imposed by a particular government or several governments against a specific media outlet'. Brazilian political scientist Fernando Horta argued that 'the Global South needs to develop its own form of social technology and control over technological means to confront the information and communication attacks that affect democracy'. Another key speaker, Ayanda Hollow from South Africa, highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty. He argued that without their own digital platforms, Africa and the wider Global South could not achieve fully independent media, as the existing social media and algorithmic landscape is controlled by external entities. Hollow added that for Africa to accelerate this path in achieving sovereignty, it would need to optimise working in Solidarity with the Global South. Echoing the focus on technology, Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula also from South Africa, focused on the role of media within the BRICS countries. In a discussion titled 'Journalism within the BRICS countries', she and other participants analysed the potential of media in the bloc to break from dominant narratives and promote effective cooperation to strengthen cultural and social ties. Mantula called for the creation of media networks free from 'colonial narratives'. She argued that mainstream media often generates disinformation by building an erroneous perception of a country's reality. Using South Africa as an example, she said it is often wrongly associated only with poverty and underdevelopment. She advocated for a journalism committed to the people that promotes a more pluralistic worldview and counters such misconceptions. She also called on the international community to develop an information network that transcends language barriers. 'Take advantage of the tools of the digital era to tell the story through languages. Unity is very important; you have to rise above the influences of social media to generate an impact,' Mantula said. Jiang Yan, director-general of the Latin America Regional Bureau of China's Xinhua News Agency, said in a video message that the fight against disinformation is one of the 'common challenges for the media and think tanks of the Global South,' adding that unity was the fundamental tool to face current challenges. The final declaration stated that communicators denounced the 'hegemony of large media consortiums' and digital platforms that distort popular struggles and perpetuate colonial narratives. 'To respect and defend the truth, freedom of expression and the sovereign and independent development of our peoples is a duty for those of us who dedicate ourselves to journalism and communication with honesty,' it said. The alliance aims to be a network for content exchange, joint training and the defence of journalists who are attacked. Attendees advocated for informational rigour, creativity and continuous training to confront censorship and the algorithmic control of digital platforms, and highlighted the need to develop 'sovereign digital tools' that promote liberating communication. The forum also strongly reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause, denouncing narratives that it said make the struggles of oppressed peoples invisible. At the closing ceremony, the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, addressed the issue. 'The worst crime perpetrated on humanity in the 21st century is the extermination and genocide of Gaza,' he said. Rodríguez added: 'The objective of the Nazism in the government of Netanyahu is to strip away the human condition, to eliminate the condition of human beings in order to then subdue them as if they were beasts.' 'What a shame for all of humanity that Benjamin Netanyahu exists, it is a shame for all of us (…) it is a shame for us human beings that there is a being devoid of humanity who is not only a murderer, not only a genocidaire, but also a cynic!' he said. Rodríguez also reiterated the position of the Venezuelan state, saying that 'North American imperialism is a true danger to the human species'.
Arabian Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Deliveroo Appoints New Middle East Chief Amid Leadership Shift
Deliveroo has confirmed the appointment of a new general manager to oversee its operations across the Middle East, marking a significant leadership transition for the online food delivery platform. Anis Harb, who has been with the company for nearly a decade, is stepping down from his role and will be succeeded by Susana Voces, a senior executive with extensive experience in international e-commerce and digital services. The leadership handover signals Deliveroo's intent to recalibrate its growth strategy in key markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where competition in the food delivery sector has intensified over the past year. Voces, who previously served in executive roles at eBay and Deliveroo's European arm, is expected to bring a renewed focus on market expansion, operational efficiency, and partnerships with local and global brands. Anis Harb's departure comes at a time when the Middle East remains a critical growth region for Deliveroo. Under Harb's leadership, Deliveroo secured a dominant position in the UAE, notably through its Editions delivery-only kitchens and exclusive tie-ups with high-profile restaurant brands. Harb, who joined Deliveroo in 2015, is widely credited with tailoring the company's services to local consumer behaviour, thereby helping it withstand stiff competition from regional players such as Talabat and Careem. Susana Voces' appointment is viewed within the industry as a strategic move to further integrate technological innovation and customer-centric services into Deliveroo's regional offerings. She brings a wealth of experience in scaling marketplaces and platform-based businesses, having led eBay's Southern European division and worked closely with a number of tech start-ups in advisory capacities. Voces joined Deliveroo in 2022 to oversee global commercial partnerships, positioning her well to assume a broader leadership role. Deliveroo's decision to initiate this leadership change follows a broader trend in the delivery sector, where companies are increasingly aligning management talent with technological transformation objectives. The industry has witnessed growing demand for faster, more efficient, and sustainable delivery options, prompting businesses to revamp operational models and customer engagement strategies. The Middle East's online food delivery market continues to grow steadily, driven by a young, digitally savvy population and rising demand for convenience. According to market analysts, the sector is projected to record double-digit growth over the next three years, despite macroeconomic headwinds and an increasingly crowded competitive landscape. Deliveroo's ability to maintain its market share will likely hinge on technological differentiation, customer loyalty programmes, and deepening relationships with both restaurant partners and riders. Deliveroo has outlined plans to expand its Editions kitchen network across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, aiming to tap into underserved suburban areas and new urban centres. With Voces at the helm, analysts expect Deliveroo to place greater emphasis on leveraging data analytics to refine delivery logistics, personalise consumer offerings, and streamline partner onboarding. The appointment of Voces comes as Deliveroo faces broader pressures in its home market of the United Kingdom, where regulatory scrutiny over gig economy employment practices and profitability concerns have challenged the company's long-term growth ambitions. Deliveroo's Middle East operations, which have consistently outperformed some of its other international markets, are seen as pivotal to balancing overall business performance. Deliveroo's most recent quarterly update revealed steady order volume growth across the UAE and Qatar, despite a slight softening in consumer discretionary spending. The company has invested heavily in enhancing its app interface, introducing features such as group ordering, scheduled deliveries, and loyalty rewards aimed at bolstering user retention. Under Voces' leadership, these initiatives are expected to be fine-tuned further to adapt to regional consumer trends. In an internal communication to staff, Deliveroo's CEO Will Shu praised Harb for his contributions over the past nine years, describing him as instrumental in establishing Deliveroo's Middle East presence from scratch. Shu expressed confidence in Voces' ability to 'lead the next chapter of innovation and growth' across the region, emphasising the company's commitment to rider welfare, restaurant success, and customer satisfaction. Voces, who will be relocating to Dubai as part of her new role, has outlined her immediate priorities, which include strengthening local partnerships, diversifying service offerings, and exploring opportunities for sustainable delivery methods. Early indications suggest that Deliveroo could explore partnerships with electric vehicle providers and last-mile logistics firms to further enhance operational sustainability. Deliveroo's leadership transition also reflects a broader pattern among global tech companies, many of which are refreshing senior management teams to better navigate evolving economic realities and shifting consumer expectations. For Deliveroo, the stakes in the Middle East are particularly high, given the region's appetite for premium services, willingness to adopt new technologies, and strategic importance as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Voces' appointment is anticipated to bring a combination of commercial acumen, technological insight, and regional adaptability, attributes considered essential for sustaining growth in a sector undergoing rapid transformation. With evolving consumer behaviours, increased regulatory oversight, and intensified competition shaping the industry, Deliveroo's strategic moves in leadership and operational innovation will likely determine its trajectory in the Middle East market over the coming years.
