XISHUANGBANNA (YUNNAN, CHINA), Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The 3rd Yunnan International Communication Forum (YICF), which recently brought together top media leaders from various countries, served as a platform for in-depth discussions, exchange of ideas, consensus-building, and the promotion of win-win cooperation.
Organised by Xinhua News Agency and the Yunnan Provincial Government, the forum, themed Cooperation, Creating the Future, and Exploring New Pathways for International Communication, was inaugurated on Dec 10 by Zeng Yan, Member of the Standing Committee of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department.
The forum featured Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra and Xinhua News Agency's Vice President Yuan Bingzhong among its distinguished guests. It was attended by over 200 participants, including scholars, government officials, private sector representatives, university students, and media delegates from 21 countries.
In her speech, Zeng Yan said the forum aims to establish a bilateral international communication channel between China and the world.
“Over the past three years, this forum has grown from a domestic initiative to an international platform. Its influence has expanded, making it a leading platform for global media exchange and cooperation, while also offering media partners an opportunity to better understand and showcase China.
“As hosts, we aspire to turn this forum into an industry brand with distinct Chinese characteristics and global impact, a world-class international communication platform that empowers media to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” she said.
Zeng Yan added that China is ready to collaborate with all parties to narrate its story in this new era through this high-level regional international communication forum. She expressed hope that media partners worldwide would help convey China’s achievements in engaging and meaningful ways.
“We aim to enhance mechanisms for international communication cooperation. Media plays a crucial role in fostering relations between nations, strengthening trust, and disseminating information. With the advent of new information technologies and digital media, we want to work together to create fresh opportunities for global information exchange and communication,” she said.
Additionally, Zeng Yan noted that the forum is expected to positively impact issues such as international cooperation, tourism, poverty alleviation, and ecology, contributing to sustainable global development.
Lao news agency journalist, Sangthong Phasavath, 47, expressed excitement about meeting regional media practitioners at the forum.
“This forum provides an opportunity to promote various sectors, including tourism, which benefits ASEAN member states,” she said.
Md Sabbir Ahamed, 25, a PhD student at the Communication University of China, praised YICF as a vital platform for exchanging views.
“Information is key to understanding the world today. This forum brings us closer to current issues,” he said.
Malaysia was represented by two delegates at the forum: from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and The Borneo Post.
Highlights of the forum included the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) on news exchange, a photography exhibition, experience-sharing sessions by renowned photographers, discussions on AI security communication, and a tour of Xishuangbanna city.
-- BERNAMA
