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Hussam Al-Najjar, Leader of SAP Digital Transformation, opened the session by highlighting the speed at which AI technology has advanced. He noted that language models have evolved dramatically—rising from 30% to over 80% accuracy on PhD-level science questions within just two years.
Al-Najjar also cited a 2024 study indicating that 81.7% of journalists were using AI tools in their workflows, while 87% of newsroom managers in 2025 reported AI had changed newsroom operations either fully or partially.
He illustrated how AI already plays a central role in journalism—from transcription and summarisation to data analysis and multi-format storytelling. “Gradually, AI is becoming the brain of the newsroom, similar to the 'computer' in Star Trek,” he remarked, envisioning future editorial systems powered entirely by AI.
Yet he warned of the risks: “Journalism is already wrestling with public trust. If media uses AI, what will the public think of it? Will they respect it in the same way?” Al-Najjar urged responsible use, stating that AI should be viewed as a powerful amplifier, not a replacement.
Offering a more cautious perspective, Simon Thethi, tech entrepreneur and media pioneer, raised concerns about the rise of AI-generated content. He cited Newsguard's findings that over 1,300 AI-generated websites exist without human editors, and that AI-generated content has grown by 8,300% since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. He warned that today, 74% of websites may be AI-generated.
This, Thethi argued, is contributing to a credibility crisis. “58% of people no longer trust online information,” he said, adding that nearly 90% of journalists themselves believe AI will amplify disinformation.
He stressed that while AI can assist with repetitive tasks like transcription or translation, it cannot replicate human judgment, especially in investigative journalism or conflict reporting. “AI can’t go into the field or build trust. That’s a uniquely human ability,” he said.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged AI’s value as a “digital intern” that boosts newsroom efficiency, citing Reuters’ example of a 30% increase in productivity through AI integration. Still, he drew a clear line: “When everything becomes synthetic and fake, it’s a race to the bottom. Journalism must remain human-centred.”
The debate made it clear that the future of journalism lies not in outright rejection or total adoption of AI, but in a balanced approach—one that integrates efficiency while safeguarding credibility, empathy, and accountability.
The 14th annual IGCF, held under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life,” brings together over 237 international speakers across 51 sessions and 110+ activities, including seven talks and 22 workshops. The programme revolves around five global priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) and supported by 30 partners from government, media, and technology sectors, the forum provides a platform for tackling some of the world’s most urgent communication challenges.
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