Apply to Attend
Speaker
Dr. Julie Gichuru
President & CEO, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute
Dr. Julie Gichuru is an award-winning leader and the Founder, President, and CEO of the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute (ALADI), a global institution dedicated to advancing Africa’s transformation through knowledge, dialogue, and action.
Before founding ALADI, Julie served as the Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, where she led communications, policy, and thought leadership, amplifying African and Indigenous voices and championing community-driven development. A pioneer in African media, Julie spent more than two decades in broadcast, print, and digital journalism. Her courageous reporting during Kenya’s 2007 elections, including her Voices of Reason peace campaign, earned international acclaim such as the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Salute to Greatness Award.
At BRIDGE Summit, Dr. Julie Gichuru will explore practical ways to foster integrity, empathy, and innovation in building inclusive and resilient societies. University.
Kenya
Media
Dr. Julie Gichuruat BRIDGE
- Media Panel 8 December 4:30 - 5:00PM
The Media Blueprint for a Healthier Society
Media has become the frontline for shaping how societies understand health, science, identity, and dignity. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim brings a scientific and geopolitical lens on public communication, while Betty Irabor brings cultural authority and lived experience in shaping media that heals rather than harms. The session explores how media systems—traditional and digital—can responsibly influence public mindset, support mental and cultural wellbeing, and create narratives that empower rather than stigmatize.
Impact Stage - Picture Fireside 8 December 10:30 - 11:00AM
Democratising the Role of the Creator in a Global Content World
As the global content landscape shifts from a handful of gatekeepers to millions of creators, a new question emerges: who gets to shape culture, and on whose terms? Idris Elba challenges the industry to widen the circle—to empower diverse storytellers, elevate new voices, and rebuild a media ecosystem where creativity is accessible, human, and connected. At a moment when technology accelerates content but fractures community, he calls for a renewed commitment to empathy and authenticity, reminding us that democratising creation is ultimately about restoring the human heartbeat at the center of global culture.
Forum StageSpeakers
What They Say About BRIDGE
“A landmark gathering that will unite media professionals, policymakers, cultural creators, and global influencers.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A game‑changer for the global media industry”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit”
“We're excited to partner with BRIDGE to create meaningful opportunities for creators and innovators”
