#China #Xi'an #Global South Media #Xi'an Forum #Media Collaboration

The 13th Global Video Media Forum: Strengthening Global South Voices

The city of Xi'an, located in northwest China's Shaanxi province, recently hosted the 13th Global Video Media Forum (VMF), alongside the inaugural session of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism. This significant event took place on November 9, 2025, attracting over 300 participants, including government officials and leading media figures from around the globe. The core purpose of the forum was clear: to explore and enhance the role of media in global governance while amplifying the voices from the Global South in international discourse.

Building Consensus for Mutual Benefit

Under the theme "Building Consensus for Shared Benefits: Media's Role in Global Governance," the forum facilitated discussions across numerous critical issues relevant to media representation from developing countries. It gathered heads of international organizations, media institutions from 40 different countries, and representatives from various embassies in China, all united in the mission to foster dialogue and collaborative efforts.

Launching the Global South Media Partners Mechanism

One of the main highlights was the launch of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism, a newly established platform by the China Media Group (CMG) that aims to deepen cooperation among media entities in the Global South. This mechanism emphasizes practical collaboration, content sharing, professional training, joint productions, and promotes dialogue and research among participating media organizations. Already, it has attracted participation from 528 media organizations across 114 nations.

Notable figures, including the presidents of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay, expressed their support through congratulatory messages, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in media. Keynote speaker Zhao Yide, Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China in Shaanxi, reiterated the province's commitment to enhancing exchanges with global media organizations, promoting mutual learning across civilizations.

Significance of Media in Global Governance

During the forum, Shen Haixiong, Vice Chairman of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and President of CMG, highlighted the urgency for media to respond to the shifting dynamics of global governance, particularly as the world enters an era of change and turbulence. He stressed the importance of upholding journalistic integrity while welcoming technological advancements to foster dialogue and focus on developmental partnerships.

According to Shen, the establishment of the Global South Media Partners Mechanism aims to strategically leverage international partnerships to explore and enhance media responsibilities in global governance. The mechanism is seen as essential for building equitable communication channels that amplify the narratives from the Global South.

Perspectives from Global Leaders

The forum featured insightful perspectives from various leaders concerning the role of media in shaping global narratives. Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan, underscored that unity and collaboration are vital for addressing current challenges while seizing new opportunities. Similarly, Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Information and Media for the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressed the need for Southern media to become active narrators of their own stories rather than passive observers of global narratives.

Moreover, Nguyen Thanh Lam, President of Vietnam Television, and Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of the Kyrgyz National News Agency, echoed the vital role of the mechanism in fostering mutual learning, collaboration, and innovations within the media landscape of the Global South. Agnes Nguna, Executive Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, expressed confidence that the mechanism will provide African nations with platforms to share their stories and perspectives effectively.

New Developments in Media Collaboration

As part of the forum, various media collaborations were formalized. The Global South Media Training Center was established in Sanya, Hainan Province, aimed at cultivating media talent and fostering ethical practices. Additionally, CMG unveiled three specialized channels on advertising-funded streaming platforms, which are set to reach nearly 200 million viewers worldwide, further enhancing global outreach.

The event also included the reveal of results from a global survey titled, "Global South's View of the World," showcasing significant concerns from the Global South regarding poverty, food security, and the demand for reforms in the global governance system. Programs such as Global South Voices and Global South Stories aim to transcend discourse barriers and elevate the collective voices of the Global South on the global stage.

Conclusion

The 13th Global Video Media Forum serves as a pivotal moment for the Global South to reshape narratives and participate actively in global media discourse. As countries across the South unite under the Global South Media Partners Mechanism, they pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable media representation in the face of ongoing global challenges. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in Xi'an exemplifies the ongoing commitment to fostering shared development and cultural exchange between nations, ultimately aiming for a just and comprehensive global order.