Global Video Media Forum in Quanzhou Promotes Cooperation for the Global South
The 12th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) commenced on December 6, 2024, in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. This event saw around 200 representatives from 87 media organizations across over 60 countries converging in this historically significant coastal city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historical trade port. The forum, hosted by CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+), part of the China Media Group (CMG), was themed "Intelligence Without Frontiers, Vision Beyond the Horizon - Media's Role in Communication and Cultural Exchange." This year's focus was on implementing artificial intelligence in media and communication management with the goal of establishing new platforms for exchange that cater specifically to the needs and narratives of the Global South.
One of the most notable outcome of this forum was the launch of the "Joint Initiative for Dialogue and Cooperation among Global South Media," a collaborative effort involving CMG, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Arab States Broadcasting Union, the African Union of Broadcasters, and the Latin American Information Alliance. This initiative is aimed at creating a coherent narrative framework for the Global South's media landscape, thereby enhancing its international messaging and fostering mutual learning and information exchange among participating nations. By focusing on promoting cooperation in media, the initiative seeks to empower these countries to have a fair representation on the global stage.
In addition to media cooperation, cultural exchange was heavily emphasized during the forum. A highlight was the worldwide promotion of CMG's recording of the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, an event that has been a major part of Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983 and remains one of the most-watched television programs globally. This gala serves as an important cultural platform for showcasing Chinese heritage internationally. Moreover, four high-quality television productions and documentaries were presented, offering viewers a deeper insight into the everyday lives of Chinese citizens, the nation's environmental preservation efforts, and its ambitious space ventures.
CMG also announced ongoing initiatives for film and television showcases set to take place in Central Asian, European, and American countries in 2025. These initiatives aim to provide global audiences with comprehensive insights into China’s culture and advancements.
Further marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, CMG’s China Global Television Network launched the "China Up Close" campaign, integrating various media formats to invite both local and international journalists and influencers to explore China’s vibrant culture and socio-economic growth personally. This initiative is designed to create a more relatable and impactful narrative about China’s development and its role in the global community.
Working alongside Quanzhou, a city that was pivotal during the Maritime Silk Road era, CMG initiated the International Communication Season. This program intertwines stories from ancient trade routes with contemporary narratives to enhance China's global outreach and communication capabilities.
The VMF also featured interactive experiences such as CMG's "Jingcai Voice" sound technology showcase, emphasizing the latest advancements in 3D sound applications. The forum included panels and discussions on topics such as leveraging new technologies to enhance media messaging and broadening horizons in international communication through cultural exchange and interpersonal dialogue. Workshops concentrated on topics including applying and managing artificial intelligence in the media sector, creating innovative communication platforms through smart technologies, and building a better future for the digital civilizations within the Global South. Overall, the 12th VMF underscored the necessity of collaborative media efforts and cultural exchanges in elevating the voices and narratives of the Global South on the world stage.