The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from over 220 media organizations, think tanks, government bodies, diplomatic missions, UN agencies and international organizations from 42 countries and regions.
Held under the theme “Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action,” the forum focused on strengthening media cooperation and promoting greater understanding across the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions highlighted the role of media in supporting regional development and shared prosperity.
The forum also comes ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which China is scheduled to host later this year. The gathering provides a platform for media organizations and other stakeholders to exchange views on regional cooperation and contribute to discussions surrounding the Asia-Pacific community.
Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Huang Kunming, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, also addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue among countries and organizations across the region.
The event resulted in several new cooperation mechanisms, including the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Organizing Committee, the signing and exchange of media cooperation documents, the launch of the “Gather in Shenzhen, Create a Better Asia-Pacific” Media Cooperation Initiative, and the release of the Shenzhen Consensus.
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The Media Cooperation Initiative focuses on three areas: technology sharing, joint content production and professional training. Under the technology pillar, Shenzhen plans to establish the Asia-Pacific Digital & Smart Media Intelligence Shenzhen Center to promote exchanges in digital media technologies, including artificial intelligence and the OpenHarmony ecosystem.
For content collaboration, the forum launched the “Witness Miracles, Seek Solutions” program, which invites media organizations from across the region to jointly develop and broadcast reporting projects using Shenzhen as one area of focus.
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The initiative also includes a Training Base for Asia-Pacific Youth Media Professionals, which is expected to host media professionals, particularly those under 45, for study visits, exchanges and training programs.
The Shenzhen Consensus calls for greater regional cooperation in areas including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green development, media exchange and multilateral trade, while encouraging greater dialogue and mutual understanding across the Asia-Pacific.