Global Voices: Elevating the Narrative of the Global South at the Video Media Forum

Elevating the Narrative of the Global South

On November 9, 2025, Xi'an, a historic city in Shaanxi province, China, played host to the 13th Global Video Media Forum. This event marked the inaugural meeting of the "Global South Media Partners Mechanism," designed to empower media outlets from the southern hemisphere and amplify their messages in the global discourse. Over 300 representatives gathered, including international media leaders and government officials from 40 countries, to discuss the critical role of media in global governance amidst rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes.

The theme of the forum was "Building Consensus for Shared Benefits: The Role of Media in Global Governance." This gathering, sponsored by CCTV+ and supported by various Chinese media bodies, aimed to foster collaboration between media segments across the Global South. The initiative emerged in response to the growing need to enable these regions to voice their perspectives on pressing global issues.

Launch of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism

The forum saw the official launch of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism, established by China Media Group (CMG), which seeks to enhance cooperation among media institutions in these regions. This platform is expected to facilitate content sharing, workforce training, and joint productions, all while advocating fair representation of the Global South in international media narratives. To date, this program has attracted 528 media organizations from 114 countries, reflecting significant interest and involvement.

High-profile congratulatory messages were sent by notable leaders, including the presidents of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay. In his opening remarks, Zhao Yide, the Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the province’s commitment to enhancing international collaboration in media while celebrating mutual learning across cultures.

Shen Haixiong, the Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and president of CMG, underscored the necessity for media professionalism, adaptation to technological changes, and the strengthening of dialogue. He emphasized that the Global South's media landscape must evolve from being passive observers to proactive storytellers capable of influencing global narratives that better represent their realities.

Media Perspectives on Global Governance

During the discussions, many participants shared views on the responsibilities of media in shaping a just global governance framework. Former Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz stated that unity and collaboration are crucial for countries in the Global South to effectively address contemporary challenges. He emphasized the potential of the partnership mechanism in bridging differences and consolidating the collective voice.

Patrick Muyaya, the Minister of Communication and Media in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, explained that it is time for media in the Global South to become key players in their storytelling, rather than mere recipients of global narratives. This sentiment was echoed by various leaders, including Nguyen Thanh Lam, president of Vietnam's television network, who voiced support for fostering mutual learning and innovative content creation among media from these regions.

Innovative Initiatives and Outcomes

The forum also unveiled several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing media collaboration and capabilities. One notable announcement was the establishment of the Global South Media Training Center in Sanya, which aims to nurture talent exchange and address professional ethics among media professionals in these regions.

Additionally, CGTN launched three new channels on free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms, aiming to reach nearly 200 million viewers worldwide with diverse content. These channels—CGTN Global Biz, China Travel, and Discovering China—will provide round-the-clock programming that highlights stories from China and the broader Global South.

A comprehensive opinion survey, titled "Global South Worldview," revealed that the predominant concerns among the populace include poverty, food security, and the urgent need for governance reforms. This reflects a growing awareness and desire for a balanced representation on key global issues affecting their regions.

The contributions from international media leaders and diplomatic representatives during the forum underscored a commitment to collaborative efforts in fostering an equitable media landscape. With a shared objective to overcome biases and achieve consensus, the forum concluded with actionable outcomes designed to bolster a more inclusive, sustainable, and balanced global media ecosystem.

The transformative dialogue that transpired at the 13th Global Video Media Forum signifies a pivotal moment in recognizing the need for the Global South’s voice in international media discussions. With an array of initiatives introduced, the path is being paved for future collaborations that amplify diverse narratives and enhance the efficacy of media in addressing global challenges.

This ground-breaking event in Xi'an not only showcased the rich historical heritage of the region but also illuminated its role as a catalyst for fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations, marking a new chapter in global media partnership.