Global Video Media Forum in Quanzhou Amplifies Global South Voices and Media Collaboration
The 12th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) commenced on December 5, 2024, in Quanzhou City, a historic coastal hub known for its trade significance and heritage status. Organized by the CCTV Video News Agency under the China Media Group (CMG), the forum attracted nearly 200 participants from over 60 countries, emphasizing the need for cross-cultural exchanges and collaboration within the media.
The central theme of this year's forum, "Intelligence Without Frontiers, Vision Beyond the Horizon -- Media's Role in Communication and Cultural Exchange," centers around how advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance communication across borders. The forum's focus on these technologies reflects a broader trend in global media strategies, emphasizing intelligent communication that promotes understanding among diverse cultures.
The highlight of the forum was the unveiling of the Joint Initiative for Media Dialogue and Cooperation of the Global South. This initiative, formed with contributions from several prominent media associations including the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and the Arab States Broadcasting Union, seeks to amplify Global South narratives in global media landscapes. Its primary goals are to foster mutual learning and collaboration, enhance media representation, and advocate for fairness regarding Global South issues in international dialogue.
Moreover, the forum included the release of culturally enriching content, including a promotional video for CMG's revered "2025 Spring Festival Gala." This gala, a staple during the Chinese Lunar New Year for over three decades, is famed for its viewership worldwide and serves as a platform to showcase Chinese culture. Furthermore, the introduction of high-quality dramas and documentaries provided attendees a closer look at the rich tapestry of Chinese life, history, and environmental initiatives.
Additional projects discussed included the continuation of CMG’s movie and television promotions scheduled for 2025, intended to cultivate China's image across Central Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This aligns with CMG’s aim to enhance its global cultural footprint through storytelling and media visibility.
As part of the 75th anniversary commemorations of the People’s Republic of China, CMG initiated the "China Up Close" campaign, inviting domestic and international media professionals to experience and explore China's dynamic developments firsthand.
The forum also laid the groundwork for the 'International Communication Season,' linking historical narratives from Quanzhou as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road to contemporary engagements. This initiative aspires to weave old stories into modern dialogues, bolstering cultural exchange and understanding.
Notably, the technological showcase at the forum featured CMG's "Jingcai Voice" Experience Room, displaying state-of-the-art 3D audio applications designed to enhance media experiences. Panel sessions revolved around pivotal topics including the role of new technologies in empowering media sectors and the vital need for people-to-people communication, emphasizing the essence of cultural exchanges in fostering international connections.
In conclusion, the Global Video Media Forum in Quanzhou did not merely function as a meeting point for media professionals; it served as a launchpad for significant initiatives aimed at transforming the narrative landscape of the Global South. By prioritizing collaboration and intelligent communication, the forum seeks to build a future where diverse voices are amplified, understood, and represented on a global stage.