From Massita Ahmad
KUNMING (China), Sept 6 (Bernama) — The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has described the organisation of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum 2025 by Xinhua News Agency as an important platform for strengthening international media cooperation, particularly in amplifying the voices of developing nations.
Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said Xinhua’s success in bringing together around 500 media representatives from various countries for the forum clearly demonstrates its commitment to broadening discussions on global issues affecting the nations of the Global South.
“On behalf of Bernama, I would like to extend my congratulations to Xinhua for successfully bringing together media partners at this forum, where a range of important topics representing the voices of the Global South were discussed,” she said.
She added that as a strategic partner and fellow member of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), Bernama is very proud that earlier this year both agencies successfully co-organised a similar forum.
The inaugural ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum took place in Kuala Lumpur last April, and brought together 200 government officials, influential media leaders and experts from across the region and China to strengthen ties and foster deeper engagement.
It was jointly organised by Bernama and Xinhua under the theme “Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation”, and aimed to facilitate in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics important to the ASEAN and the world at large.
“When Xinhua invited Bernama to take part in this forum in Kunming, I saw it as an opportunity to exchange views with fellow media partners from other Global South countries. Therefore, I commend Xinhua’s continued role in strengthening this network of cooperation,” she said.
Commenting on the opening address by Xinhua President Fu Hua, she agreed on the importance of amplifying the voices of Global South countries at the international level.
“This is the time for the media worldwide to share their perspectives, while continuing to enhance integrity and professionalism in journalism, as we ought to do,” she said.
Touching on the role of technology in the media industry, she stressed that developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) must be utilised wisely.
“Indeed, technology plays an important role in helping us progress. However, at the same time, we must remain vigilant. Use technology to make our work easier, but the voice of conscience must never be disregarded,” she said.
At the same time, Nur-ul Afida emphasised the importance of journalists, particularly those newly entering the profession, consistently upholding journalistic ethics in their work, especially when conveying accurate information.
Around 500 participants comprising journalists, academics, government representatives and business leaders from 110 countries as well as international and regional organisations gathered on Friday in Yunnan Province, southwest China, for the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum 2025.
The forum aims to transform the Global South’s growing economic role — which accounts for 40 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80 per cent of global growth — into a stronger voice in international dialogue and communication.
During the programme, spanning five days, delegates will exchange ideas and explore ways to translate the theme “Empowering the Global South, Navigating Global Changes” into concrete projects and solutions.
The schedule includes plenary sessions and specialised workshops covering issues such as peace-oriented narratives, AI-powered newsrooms, cultural heritage protection and other relevant themes.
Two key documents are expected to be unveiled — the Yunnan Consensus, a joint commitment to enhance collaborative news production and analysis, and a research report on China’s contribution to global public intellectual resources, highlighting best practices from its South-South cooperation.
The forum also coincides with the official establishment of the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network, bringing together more than 1,000 media organisations, think tanks and related institutions from 95 countries and regions.
This marks the second edition of the forum, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, following its inaugural meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, last November.
The term “Global South” refers to the group of developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. It is not an official bloc but rather a geopolitical concept that represents the collective voice of developing nations in calling for justice and balance within the international system.
— BERNAMA
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