Novo Launches iCON Summit in Abu Dhabi to Transform Conversations Around Weight Loss.
Regional summit brings together journalists, digital content creators and e-health partners to promote health literacy, credible information and responsible communication on weight management.
AbuDhabi(News Desk):: Global healthcare company Novo has launched the International Influencers Convention (iCON) Summit at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, bringing together journalists, digital content creators, healthcare professionals, e-health partners and other stakeholders from across the Middle East and Central Asia to promote more informed and responsible conversations around weight management.
The regional gathering aims to highlight the importance of credible scientific information and trusted voices in helping people navigate the increasingly complex landscape of weight management and make better-informed decisions about their health.
As people increasingly access health information through digital platforms and multiple communication channels, the ability to distinguish reliable, evidence-based guidance from misinformation has become more important than ever.
Through expert discussions and interactive experiences, the iCON Summit seeks to strengthen health literacy, encourage responsible communication and promote greater collaboration among stakeholders involved in people’s weight-management journeys.
The initiative recognises the distinct contributions of different groups in shaping public understanding of health. Journalists play an important role in providing context and scrutiny, digital content creators help engage audiences, e-health partners connect people with appropriate support, while Novo contributes scientific knowledge and healthcare expertise.
Speaking at the launch, Burak Cem, MD, Vice President, Novo, said that improving health conversations requires collaboration across different sectors.
He emphasised that while Novo brings scientific and healthcare expertise, meaningful progress depends on working with stakeholders who understand how to reach and engage people effectively.
He added that the shared responsibility is to make credible health information easier to understand and empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Venkat Kalyan, General Manager, Novo Gulf, highlighted the changing health information landscape in the Gulf region, noting that collaboration between scientific experts, healthcare professionals and trusted communicators can play a significant role in strengthening public health literacy.
He stressed that cooperation across the healthcare ecosystem is essential to creating meaningful and lasting improvements in how people access and understand health information.
The Summit also focuses on the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping healthcare discussions and the importance of healthcare professionals becoming more active voices online.
Dr Ahmed Al Sharefi, Consultant Endocrinologist at Mediclinic Middle East, said healthcare professionals have an important responsibility to extend their trusted medical expertise into digital spaces, helping people distinguish credible scientific evidence from misinformation.He noted that physicians can play a greater role in guiding online health conversations and supporting individuals in making informed decisions with confidence.
By bringing together diverse perspectives, Novo aims to encourage a more responsible and informed approach to weight management while strengthening cooperation among those who influence how people encounter, understand and act on health information.
About iCON Summit
Organised by Novo’s Business Area Middle East & Central Asia (BAMECA), the International Influencers Convention (iCON) Summit is a regional initiative designed to strengthen health literacy around weight management and promote responsible health communication.
The Summit brings together journalists, digital content creators and e-health partners from across the Middle East and Central Asia, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
Through expert discussions and interactive experiences, the initiative aims to connect credible science with trusted voices, address misinformation and help people make better-informed health decisions.
For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.
