The 2025 Network Leadership Conference (NLC), organized by Hope Channel International (HCI), took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from April 29 to May 1, 2025. With a bold vision to reach one billion people with the gospel by 2030, the event brought together global Adventist media leaders to adopt a new strategy, share experiences, and reaffirm their commitment to innovation and mission.

The gathering began with a Friday evening dinner, where participants shared experiences and formed new connections. On Saturday, worship was held at the Dubai Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in the Holy Trinity Compound--a space designed to foster dialogue among diverse Christian communities. Thanks to its architecture, which blends glass, steel, and traditional Islamic motifs, the building has become a recognizable religious landmark in Dubai. Alex Bryant, president of the North American Division, delivered a message on the need for unity and the church’s mission to spread the gospel.

On Sunday, participants visited Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a landmark building covered in Arabic calligraphy. The museum, set in the year 2071, features interactive exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, and sustainability, and includes research labs and workshop spaces for hands-on exploration of emerging technologies.

Creative Disruption and a Mission Mandate

The conference’s working sessions began on Monday, following a devotional led by Bryant. Vyacheslav Demyan, president of HCI, delivered a keynote titled “Hope Starts Here,” focusing on creative disruption in media. He cited Dubai’s transformation as a metaphor for the kind of bold innovation needed in faith-based broadcasting.

“We cannot stick to what was; we must take risks to create something new that will reach people all over the world,” Demyan said.

He introduced the initiative to reach one billion people by 2030, calling for the use of emerging platforms and technologies to go beyond traditional frameworks.

“To meet this goal, we must break outdated models and take a creative approach to media production,” he emphasized.

Josias Silva, financial director of Novo Tempo (Hope Channel Brazil), emphasized the importance of collaboration between media ministries and local churches, especially when reaching those unfamiliar with the gospel.

A Strategic Health Partnership

During the conference, John Shin, president of the Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN), announced a new strategic partnership with HCI. The alliance aims to create health-focused outreach initiatives with a global focus. By combining AMEN’s medical insight with Hope Channel’s modern formats—including video series, podcasts, and live events—the partnership seeks to reach communities where traditional evangelism may be less effective.

Plans include educational programs, webinars, and community missions offering free health screenings and consultations, connecting these services with messages of hope. The long-term goal is to build a global framework that demonstrates how faith and medicine can work together to restore lives.

Innovation, Resilience, and Partnership

Kugonza Isaac, CEO of Hope Channel Uganda, spoke on the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. “PUSH—Pray Until Something Happens,” he said, encouraging leaders to persevere in their mission.

Additional presentations came from Ole Pedersen from Hope Channel New Zealand, Brad Kemp from Adventist Media Australia, and Felipe Silva from Hope Channel USA, who spoke about the potential of partnering with organizations outside the Adventist Church. Co-productions, they said, could expand reach and make Adventist-produced content more accessible and relatable.

Richard Stephenson, associate treasurer for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented on the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in supporting the church’s mission.

“Media is only a tool—but it is the Holy Spirit who guides our activities,” he said.

A Unified Digital Strategy

A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of a new digital strategy for the Hope Channel network. Developed by the Media and Engagement Netscom Subcommittee, the strategy focuses on enhancing audience engagement through live broadcasts, social media, and real-time interaction, while continuing to prioritize mission-centered programming.

In closing remarks, Demyan noted that the strategy outlines a roadmap for reaching one billion people with the gospel by 2030 and reiterated the importance of creativity and cooperation.

“Hope Channel’s future depends on our ability to grow dynamically and cooperate internationally,” he said.

HCI leads a global network of nearly 80 Hope Channel affiliates producing content in more than 70 languages.

The original article was published on the Trans-European Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.