Global Video Media Forum 2025: Elevating Voices from the Global South

On November 9, 2025, Xi'an, China, hosted the 13th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) alongside the inauguration of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism. This pivotal event brought together over 300 participants, including international media organization leaders and government officials. The main aim was to explore the critical role media play in global governance and advocate for unity among voices from the Global South.

The theme of this year's forum was "Creating Consensus for Shared Benefits: The Role of Media in Global Governance." It highlighted the pressing need for collaboration and dialogue across borders. High-level attendees from 40 different countries and regions included representatives from leading international media and embassies. The event was co-organized by CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+), the Shaanxi Provincial Advertising Department, and the Chinese Media Group (CMG) with the support of China Global Television Network (CGTN).

A significant achievement of the forum was the official launch of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism. This newly established platform aims to enhance cooperation among media from the Global South by encouraging content sharing, practical collaboration, and joint productions. It focuses on fostering dialogue and research among participating media partners, based on guiding principles of equitable consultation and shared development.

With participation from 528 media organizations across 114 countries, this mechanism aims to amplify the voices of the Global South effectively. Notable figures such as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and former Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sent congratulatory messages, reinforcing the importance of this initiative.

Zhao Yide, a senior official from the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, stated that Xi'an is eager to strengthen cooperation with international media organizations to advance the media industry and foster greater mutual learning among civilizations. Meanwhile, Shen Haixiong, the head of CMG, emphasized the necessity of professionalism in journalism, adapting to technological changes, and building bridges for dialogue in today’s complex global landscape.

The forum provided a platform for discussing critical issues such as media responsibility in global governance and promoting equitable global communication. Invitations were extended to various leaders, including Ahmed Nadeem from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and Patrick Muyaya, the Information Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who stressed that media from the Global South need to take initiative in telling their own stories.

The event included the presentation of numerous outcomes from media cooperation efforts. CMG disclosed its collaboration with media organizations and universities to establish the Global South Media Training Center in Sanya, aiming to foster talent exchange and cultivate professional ethics in the media sector.

CGTN also launched three new media channels on advertising-supported free streaming platforms, targeting a global audience of nearly 200 million viewers. These channels, namely CGTN Global Biz, China Travel, and Discovering China, will provide a variety of quality programming around the clock.

A research report centered on a global public opinion survey titled "The Global South's Perspective" revealed that pressing global governance issues for Southern nations include poverty and food security. This survey involved over 9,000 participants, with a vast majority advocating for reforms in the global governance framework.

Additional projects discussed at the forum included the co-production initiative "Voices of the Global South" which aims to share unique stories and perspectives from Southern nations and the ongoing initiative "Global South Stories" to engage creators from 73 countries.

Xi'an city introduced a digital AI persona named A-Yong to better promote its heritage and cultural uniqueness using cutting-edge digital technology. Established since 2011, VMF has become a premier annual exchange platform for global media users and partners, marking a significant milestone for international media collaboration.

In summary, the 13th Global Video Media Forum not only served as a convergence point for global media but also firmly established the Global South Media Partners Mechanism, highlighting the critical role of media in shaping narratives and driving progress in the areas that matter most to developing nations.