3rd Global Advertising Summit

The third Global Advertising Summit (GAS) has taken place in New York this week with over 30 industry and association representatives discussing how to take the initiative in the following areas: Advertising and children; Advertising self-regulation; Advertising and sustainable development.

ESOMAR, the World Association of Research Professionals, participated in the Summit. 'Research has a societal responsibility. One of our tasks is to contribute to responsible marketing, building on research based insights', said Mario van Hamersveld, ESOMAR's Director General.

Recent developments will sharpen the focus of debate: the European Commission's Green Paper and Follow-up communication on consumer protection, calls for greater restrictions on advertising to children, rising levels of obesity and alcohol abuse worldwide, particularly amongst young people.

The WFA, World Federation of Advertisers, organisers of the Summit will lay out the global advertising agenda for the coming year, developing initiatives relating to the three priority areas based on the principles of dialogue and responsibility.

A full European roll-out of media literacy projects for children will be discussed following the successful launch of MediaSmart in the UK, a project highly commended by Tessa Jowell, UK Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, as 'an example of industry taking responsibility for its own actions.'

Other priorities will include the continued dialogue to be held with the World Health Organisation, consumer groups and public institutions on issues such as food, alcohol and child-focused advertising. Following a highly praised submission to the Johannesburg World Summit, the industry will look at further means of incorporating and promoting the use of sustainable practice into the industry's corporate agendas.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.