The 12th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) opened in Quanzhou City of east China's Fujian Province on Tuesday, gathering around 200 representatives of 87 media organizations from more than 60 countries and regions.
Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech via video at the opening ceremony.
Hosted by the CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+) under the theme "Intelligence Without Frontiers, Vision Beyond The Horizon -- Media's Role in Communication and Cultural Exchange," the two-day forum aims to hold in-depth discussions on the application and governance of artificial intelligence technologies in the media sector, establish new exchange platforms based on intelligent communication, and jointly create a bright future for the digital civilization of Global South countries.
Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Shen Haixiong, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the China Media Group (CMG), said that the media, as a bridge and link for cultural exchanges, not only witnesses the progress and development of the times, but also records and portrays the stories of exchanges among people of various countries.
Shen said the CMG stands ready to leverage its sci-tech and communication strengths as a world-class mainstream media outlet and jointly build a bridge for global exchange, cooperation, and shared prosperity for all. He said the CMG will work to open up new prospects for media cooperation, raise the voice of the Global South, and work hand in hand with like-minded peers and colleagues, to contribute to the endeavor of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Zhao Long, deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and governor of Fujian Province, cited Chinese President Xi Jinping's statement that the media should not be absent in forging closer bonds between the people of different countries. He also extended an invitation to friends from the media to tour more places in Fujian to experience firsthand the multifaceted manifestations of the practice of Chinese modernization, and present to the world a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of Fujian and China.
The former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Djoomart Otorbaev also delivered a keynote speech in which he said China has made great achievements in advancing high-quality development and in the construction of a global communication system led by video media. Otorbaev said the CMG is playing an increasingly important role in making the international communication order fairer and more equitable, and hopes the VMF will help enhance mutual understanding among people of different countries.
Gregoire Ndjaka, Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), said in his speech that this year's Global Video Media Forum emphasizes the interaction between the media and new technologies, explores how innovations are reshaping content production and consumption, and considers the best practices in deepening responsibility and cooperation in a fast-evolving media landscape. Ndjaka also called for greater efforts to foster cooperation that inspires a global media culture rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and shared purpose, and to advance a media ecosystem that benefits all.
Juan Carlos Isaza, Managing Director of the Latin American Information Alliance, said in his speech that the "AI Governance Media Action Initiative" and the "Initiative for Media in Global South Countries to Jointly Promote the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind" proposed by the CMG are of great importance and will have far-reaching influence on the development of media in Latin American countries. Through deeper and closer exchanges with the CMG, the Latin American Information Alliance looks forward to establishing a partnership for the Global South featuring more coordination and solidarity, Isaza said.
Adrian Wells, Managing Director of the European News Exchange (ENEX), said that the ongoing technological transformation has added extra pressure to the survival and development of the video media sector, noting that the media should follow the trend of the times, enhance understanding, cooperate closely and share knowledge, information and technology in the face of challenges and crises, so as to reach wider audiences. He added that ENEX looks forward to deepening pragmatic cooperation with the CMG and jointly looking for more ways to tackle the current industry challenges.
The forum also saw the release of the Joint Initiative for Media Dialogue and Cooperation of Global South. Jointly proposed by the CMG, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Arab States Broadcasting Union, the African Union of Broadcasting, and the Latin American News Alliance, the initiative aims to build a "Global South" narrative system and amplify the voices of its media, foster mutual learning and exchanges to drive the shared prosperity of Global South civilizations, and fulfill media responsibilities by advocating justice for the Global South on the global stage.
The forum also spotlighted cultural exchange efforts, including the release of a global promotion video for the CMG's "2025 Spring Festival Gala". As an essential part of the annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations since 1983, the gala has become one of the world's most-watched TV programs and an iconic platform for promoting Chinese culture abroad.
Additionally, four high-quality dramas and documentaries were introduced which will offer audiences a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the Chinese people as well as a glimpse of the country's rich history and environmental conservation efforts.
The CMG also announced its continued film and TV screening initiatives for 2025 across countries in the Global South, Central Asia, Europe, and America, providing a panoramic view of China to global audiences.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CMG's China Global Television Network launched the "China Up Close" campaign, integrating multiple media formats. This initiative invites Chinese and international reporters and influencers to experience China's dynamic culture and socioeconomic development firsthand.
Attendees were also drawn to the CMG "Jingcai Voice" Experience Room, which showcased cutting-edge applications of 3D sound technology.
The forum also features sub-sessions such as "How New Technology Empowers the Media" and "People-to-People Communication and Cultural Exchanges Opens Up New Horizons for International Communication", which see discussions delving into topics such as the application and governance of AI in the media sector, creating innovative platforms for communication using intelligent technologies, and building a brighter future for the digital civilization of Global South countries.
Launched by CCTV+ in 2011, the VMF has grown into a premier platform for media professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends in video content communication and innovation, while the event also aims to foster greater interaction and collaboration between domestic and international media.
12th Global Video Media Forum opens in Quanzhou
12th Global Video Media Forum opens in Quanzhou
12th Global Video Media Forum opens in Quanzhou
