e.l.f. 1: Formula for the Fearless

Sounds That Speak Every Language

Aziz Maraka and Faia Younan didn't change their sound to fit the world, they made the world listen. This session explores how language, rhythm, and storytelling can transcend borders when rooted in authenticity and emotion. Through their journeys, Aziz and Faia reveal how staying true to one’s identity can create global resonance and how genuine expression turns local sound into a universal language.

Rebooting Media Education for the Algorithmic Age

As AI and social media rewrite how stories are produced, verified, and shared, journalism and media education face an existential test. A UNESCO survey found that 62% of digital creators skip rigorous fact-checking, while a 2024 YouGov study showed only 27% of young adults feel confident about AI in education. How can schools, platforms, and educators close these gaps — embedding ethics, data literacy, and critical thinking into curricula designed for a world that never stops scrolling?

Data Explained: Making complex stories easy to understand 

Learn how to break down complex data and transform it into clear, engaging stories that inform, captivate, and make decision-making easier for any audience. Trainer: Fedah Jassem, Sky News Arabia

A Playbook for Persuasive Media

This session breaks down the essential mechanics of persuasive media today, from message design and audience targeting to verification, accountability, and the technology used. Audience members leave with a clear, practical framework for shaping stories that move people, inform public life, and reinforce trust in an increasingly fragmented information environment.

Yang Lan: The Future of Art Is Felt, Not Just Seen

Technology is transforming art from something we observe into something we experience. Through AI, immersive environments, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, a new generation of creators—especially in China—is redefining how emotion, culture, and innovation intersect. In this conversation, Yang Lan, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Sun Media Group, explores how technology is reshaping creative expression and audience connection, turning art into an emotional language that transcends medium, geography, and generation.

Closing Remarks