The two day 6th Forum on China – Africa Media Cooperation and China – Africa Think Tank high level dialogue held at Beijing International Convention Center was on Wednesday officially opened by the Mr LI Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau, Member of the Secretariat, and Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
The forum which saw the hall packed to its full capacity with officials from China and Africa government as well as Journalists is under the theme, “Joining hands to advance modernization”.
In his remarks, Mr Shulei said that modernization is a vision shared by the people saying that China has been a supporter of Africa for the past years in different sectors, including the media included.
He said that there is no fixed model for modernization, saying however that Communist Party of China has led the country to modernization.
He said that developing countries should find modernization through story telling. Mr. Shulei called on all to prioritize leaving no one behind in technology. He added that China – Africa media should share central issues which include poverty alleviation.
Again he urged that the media carry principles of sincerity and make their voices heard through interviews.
At the same occasion Beijing Mayor Mr. Yin Yong said that China and Africa are a community of shared future. He said that it is high time that they intensify in building new media in Africa.
On the other hand, Congo government spokesperson Mr Lezin Mogualla noted that the event’s theme is very relevant to Africa given the challenges they have.
He challenged the media to assume their responsibility to inform and educate as well as promote a peaceful community. He stated that the media should set the stage of brainstorming and participate in development. “Journalists are contemporary historians and can write in their own language and bring change.
Moreover, African Union Commission (AUC) Chief Media Officer Ms.Christiane Monsour Matondo said that China and Africa have engaged in a number of partnerships including media.
She said that the media plays an important role in creating bridges saying therefore it is imperative for China and Africa to strengthen partnership in all spheres.
She urged the media that as they embrace innovation they should also promote credibility.Therefore she proposed that to strengthen the partnership, exchange and scholarship programs for media should be encouraged and enable media or journalists to benefit from each other’s experience.
Additionally she stated that joint storytelling could be a powerful tool as well as creation of media laboratories. “Prioritize language support and training as well”.
Furthermore she indicated that media is a catalyst for change and as such called on media to make their voice of hope and resilience heard.
The forum was co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration of China, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and the African Union of Broadcasting. More than 240 Chinese and foreign delegates from more than 40 countries and regions attended the forum.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 21/08/2024
