Asia-Pacific Media Forum Launches in Shenzhen to Foster Regional Understanding and Collaboration

Asia-Pacific Media Forum Opens in Shenzhen

The recently inaugurated Asia-Pacific Media Forum took place in the vibrant city of Shenzhen, located in southern China's Guangdong province. This significant event was graced by prominent leaders, including Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Huang Kunming, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, both of whom delivered inspiring keynote speeches at the opening ceremony.

The theme of the forum, "Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community Media Consensus and Action," served as a guiding principle for more than 400 participants. Attendees represented over 220 mainstream media organizations alongside think tanks, governmental bodies, and international organizations from 42 countries and regions around the globe, with a particular focus on strengthening ties within the Asia-Pacific.

As the host of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting later this year, China recognizes the vital role of media in fostering development and cooperation within the region. Effective communication of the Asia-Pacific story, showcasing its interconnectedness and progress, was emphasized as essential in creating a favorable public opinion environment that enhances the region's growth.

Several tangible outcomes were produced during the forum, notably the formation of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Organizing Committee. Other achievements included the exchange of collaborative documents between Chinese and foreign media, the launch of the "Gather in Shenzhen, Create a Better Asia-Pacific" Media Cooperation Initiative, and the drafting of the Shenzhen Consensus of the Asia-Pacific Media Forum. These developments signal a significant transition in Asia-Pacific media cooperation from sporadic interactions to formalized partnerships.

In light of the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the Media Cooperation Initiative stood out as a core accomplishment of the forum. This innovative framework is designed around three crucial pillars: technology sharing, joint content creation, and talent development.

1. Technology Sharing: The establishment of the Asia-Pacific Digital Smart Media Intelligence Shenzhen Center is a noteworthy initiative that seeks to lay down a robust technological foundation for media in the region. This includes the implementation of the open-source HarmonyOS ecosystem and the creation of digital-intelligence laboratories that will allow for the sharing of technology and achievements with media organizations across Asia-Pacific.

2. Joint Content Creation: To promote collaborative storytelling, the forum introduced the "Witness Miracles, Seek Solutions" program, inviting Asia-Pacific media partners to use Shenzhen as a case study. This joint initiative aims to produce objective, truthful, and diverse media content.

3. Talent Development: Enhancing the skills of media professionals is crucial for future collaboration. Consequently, a Training Base for Asia-Pacific Youth Media Professionals has been initiated, which will annually host promising professionals—particularly those under 45—for immersive training and study tours in Shenzhen.

The Shenzhen Consensus, released during the forum, encapsulated a wide range of agreements on various critical issues, including digital transformation, open collaboration, and fostering media exchanges. Notably, it advocates for preserving multilateral trading systems, embracing AI technologies, promoting cultural exchanges, and contributing to the collective prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Overall, the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen is not just a platform for dialogue but a decisive step in nurturing cooperation among media entities in the Asia-Pacific, paving the way for a shared future characterized by mutual growth and innovation.