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 media development organization of Deutsche Welle.
The GRG is a 12-member advisory body comprising international media and media development experts from regions where DW Akademie operates. Established in 2024, it provides strategic guidance to DW Akademie by offering independent perspectives on emerging challenges and opportunities in the global media landscape. Professor Genilo was invited to join the group by Carsten von Nahmen, Managing Director of DW Akademie, in recognition of his work in journalism education, media development, strategic communication, digital inclusion and media and information literacy.
As a member, Professor Genilo will serve a one-year term beginning in June 2026, participating in annual consultations and virtual meetings. The group is expected to contribute strategic recommendations while remaining independent from DW Akademie’s management and decision-making processes.
Speaking on his 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 and effective approaches to supporting independent media, freedom of expression and access to information worldwide."
He is expected to attend the inaugural GRG consultation workshop in Bonn, Germany, in late June 2026, alongside participation in the Global Media Forum, which brings together media professionals, academics, policymakers and civil society representatives to discuss global challenges facing journalism and communication.
The appointment, ULAB said, underscores the university’s engagement with international networks working on media development and highlights the growing recognition of Bangladeshi scholars in global media discourse.