NANJING, China, Oct. 17 — Journalists worldwide should play a greater role in deepening connectivity, telling stories of shared development, amplifying the voices of the Global South and embracing innovation amid the transformation of the global media landscape, said He Ping, president of the All-China Journalists Association and a member of the Presidium of the Belt and Road Journalists Network, at the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Saturday.
The forum, themed “Convergence and Connectivity, Innovation and Progress, Media Transformation amid Global Changes,” brought together media professionals to discuss the evolving role of journalism in a rapidly changing world. In his address, He emphasized the responsibility of journalists to promote international understanding and cooperation while remaining committed to the core principles of their profession.
Building bridges through connectivity
“Let us use our pens and cameras to forge stronger connections, build bridges between civilizations, and deepen people-to-people bonds,” He said.
Highlighting the opportunities created by China’s development, He noted that the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) serves not only as a blueprint for domestic development but also as a source of new opportunities for international cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative, he said, offers a vivid example of how such cooperation translates into tangible benefits. He described the initiative as a global public good that promotes connectivity and shared development, providing journalists with a wealth of stories to tell.
Recalling a visit to Vientiane Station on the China-Laos Railway late last year, He said local officials had told him how the railway helped stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty, transforming Laos from a “land-locked country” into a “land-linked country.” More broadly, China’s trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached 23.6 trillion yuan in 2025, accounting for 51.9 percent of its total foreign trade, he noted.
He also noted that the Chinese character “齐” (qi) was selected as the Belt and Road Initiative’s annual Chinese character for 2026. At a time of rising unilateralism and protectionism, He urged journalists to carry forward the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, and to tell more stories of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
Giving the Global South a stronger voice
“Yet for far too long, the stories of the Global South have been overlooked, its voices marginalized, and its image misrepresented,” He said.
As Global South countries play an increasingly important role in shaping a multipolar world, He pointed to the gap between their growing international influence and their representation in global media narratives. Addressing this imbalance, he said, is an important responsibility for journalists.
Referring to the United Nations General Assembly’s “Correct the Map” resolution, He raised a broader question about who gets to shape the world’s narratives and define its history, underscoring the need for greater representation of the Global South in international discourse.
He called for greater attention to the development achievements, cultural heritage and aspirations of Global South countries, particularly their efforts to pursue independent paths to modernization. Such reporting, he said, can help the international community better understand their experiences and contributions.
Beyond media representation, He emphasized the need for a more inclusive and equitable system of global governance. He highlighted four initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative — as “an integrated approach that offers China’s solutions to these global challenges”.
He also stressed that peace and development are closely connected, urging journalists to stand for international fairness and justice while promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.
“Let the stories of the Global South be seen, its voices heard, its interests protected, and its contributions recognized,” he said.
Embracing innovation while upholding journalistic principles
“Adapting to change and embracing new technologies is no longer a matter of choice. It is an imperative,” He said.
With artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshaping the global media landscape, He urged news organizations to embrace innovation not only in the tools they use, but also in how they tell stories and engage with audiences.
He identified three priorities for media transformation: adopting new technologies, developing new forms of expression and exploring new models of media development. These efforts, he said, should help news organizations respond to changing audience needs and strengthen their communication capabilities.
Innovation, however, should go beyond technology. He called on journalists to move away from Cold War thinking and zero-sum narratives, placing greater emphasis on peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. By encouraging exchanges and mutual learning, the media can help bridge differences and deepen understanding among civilizations.
At the organizational level, He urged news outlets to accelerate digital transformation, integrate traditional and emerging media, and explore how AI can improve editorial workflows and reporting capabilities, particularly for media organizations in the Global South.
Yet as technology creates new possibilities, it also raises questions about editorial responsibility and professional ethics. He stressed that factual accuracy, originality and human judgment must remain at the heart of journalism.
“AI can be a powerful tool, yet we must never surrender our responsibilities or outsource our conscience,” he said.
Beyond adapting to technological change, He emphasized the broader mission of journalism in fostering international understanding and cooperation. Marking the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory, he likened the ongoing effort to build a community with a shared future for humanity to a new great expedition, stressing that no destination is too far away as long as the direction is right.
“As media professionals, we have a responsibility to contribute the power of journalism to this great endeavor,” he said.