#China #Kunming #Xinhua News #Global South Forum

Global South Media and Think Tank Forum Opens in Kunming, China

On September 6, 2025, the 2025 Global South Media and Think Tank Forum kicked off in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, China. This significant forum has brought together around 500 attendees representing more than 260 media organizations, think tanks, government agencies, and international institutions from over 110 countries and regions.

The forum aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue and enhance collaboration among participants, especially in the context of global transformations. It is co-hosted by the Xinhua News Agency, the Communist Party of China’s Yunnan Provincial Committee, and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province.

In his opening remarks, Hu Heping, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, expressed hopes that the forum would significantly advance communication among media entities and think tanks. He emphasized the relevance of the Global Governance Initiative recently proposed by China, which aims to guide reforms within the global governance system for the benefit of the Global South. This initiative is expected to further the goal of fortifying cooperation among countries whilst navigating through contemporary global challenges.

Fu Hua, the president of Xinhua News Agency, echoed similar sentiments at the forum. He highlighted Xinhua's readiness to partner with various stakeholders to effectively narrate the stories and experiences of leaders within the Global South. Fu underlined the importance of promoting research and effective dissemination of pivotal ideas, as well as leveraging multi-lateral exchange frameworks to fully capitalize on the narrative potential pertinent to the Global South. He further mentioned that collaboration could be explored through information sharing, personnel exchanges, and effective storytelling approaches that resonate with the Global South narrative.

Additionally, Melissa Fleming, the United Nations under-secretary-general for global communications, addressed the participants via video link, urging all nations to collectively enhance global sustainability and foster intercultural exchanges. She called for efforts that would restore balance within the global information ecosystem and urged the inclusion of integrity in the online public domain.

The ongoing forum is expected to run until September 11, 2025, and aims to address pressing themes relevant to the Global South while providing an avenue for extensive networking among key figures from various sectors. Participants are anticipated to share insights, strategies, and experiences that can contribute to advancing collective goals and aspirations.

As the forum progresses, the emphasis on cooperation, research exchange, and storytelling is sure to lay vital groundwork for future endeavors among Global South nations, thereby nurturing a shared community dedicated to sustainable development and global dialogue.