By Carlisle Jno Baptiste
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China has extended congratulations on the first Global South Media and Think Tank Forum in Sao Paulo Brazil and also called on the participants to take the opportunity, to engage in “in-depth discussions to build consensus, and jointly amplify the voice of the Global South.”
The first Global South Media Think Tank Forum was held in Sao Paulo Brazil from November 11-12, 2024.
The event was attended by nearly 350 representatives of 170 media outlets, think tanks government agencies, enterprises, and other institutions from over 70 countries and regions.
Under the theme “Development and revitalization: A new journey for Global South the participants engaged in extensive and in-depth discussion, analyzed and explored how media and think tanks could further contribute to enhancing solidarity and cooperation within the Global South increasing their representation and strengthening their voice in global governance and promoting reform of the global governance system in pursuit of greater fairness and justice.
“On the occasion of the opening of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, I extend warm congratulations. At present, the Global South is gaining remarkable momentum and strength, playing an increasingly significant role in the cause of human progress. China is always a member of the Global South and will always belong to the group of developing countries,” President Xi Jinping stated.
China, he said is willing to work with fellow Global South countries in practicing “true multilateralism, advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, jointly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
“Amid changes of the century, pursuing modernization and making the international order more just and equitable are sacred historic missions for Global South countries.”
“These are also the common issues of the times facing the Global South media and think tanks. I hope that participants in this forum will take it as an opportunity, to engage in in-depth discussions to build consensus, jointly amplify the voice of the Global South, illuminate the movement of the Global South demonstrate the responsibility of the Global South, and contribute wisdom in promoting the Global South as a stabilizing force for peace, a backbone of open development, a constructive south as a stabilizing force in global governance and a promoter of mutual learning among civilizations,” the President stated.
The First Global South Media and Think Tank Forum also had a declaration calling on media and think tanks in the “Global South” to ‘resolutely advocate for the group’s common interest and continuously boost its voice and influence in global affairs.”
The declaration acknowledged that the new wave of “technological and revolution and industrial transformation is having a profound impact on the social development of all countries while posing unpredictable risks and challenges.”
It stated that Media and think tanks in the Global South should together seize opportunities, confront challenges, uphold professional ethics, embrace technological innovation, combat false narratives, and “jointly safeguard the authority and credibility of Media and Think Tanks.”
The forum was co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Brazil Communication Company with guidance from the Information Office of the State Council of China.
