Media Unity in Yunnan: 

Global South Media and Think Tank Forum Brought Together  Media representatives from 110 Nations

Held in Yunnan, China | September 5–7, 2025

Kunming city, located in the inland province of Yunnan in South Western China is  a jewel of Yunnan known for its six UNESCO-recognized heritage sites and the dramatic three parallel rivers, became the stage for history this September. From September 5–7, over 500 delegates from 110 countries  representing media heads and journalists gathered there for the Second Global Self Conference under the theme “Empowering Global South, Navigating Global Changes.”

What unfolded over three days was more than a forum — it was a call for unity. Speaker after speaker underscored the same message: small developing countries, long shaped by the shadows of imperialism and capitalism, now have the ability to use their resources in order to chart their own future.

The role of the media in presenting fair, honest and in-depth reporting was emphasised citing the new age in which we live in where fake news has become pervasive especially on digital platforms.

“Individually, we are vulnerable,” one delegate remarked, “but together, we are powerful.” That sentiment echoed across sessions as speakers like Vincent Emmanuel Angelin Meriton, Former VP of the Seychelles, Under Secretary for Global Communications Melissa Flemming urged emerging global south countries  to pool their wealth, build alliances, and establish themselves as a formidable bloc on the world stage.

The tone of the gathering was strikingly hopeful. Words like collaboration, peace, friendship, and cooperation resounded in every session, pointing to a vision of global change led not by competition but by solidarity.

Key messages highlighted included:

• Collective Strength of Small States

Despite their modest size, many small and developing countries possess tremendous natural and financial wealth. The conference underscored the need for the media to use their collective voices and influence thereby forming a large, influential bloc capable of shaping global policy and economic directions.

• Overcoming Historical Barriers

Heads of media spoke candidly about the lingering effects of imperialism and exploitative capitalism that have historically hindered development in many regions. The consensus was clear: emerging states must work together to chart their own course of sustainable growth and equitable prosperity.

• Shared Values of Peace and Cooperation

The call was made  for renewed solidarity  professionalism among news media working towards a collective voice in global forums.

What is and who makes up the  Global South. The term Global South is a broad term used to describe countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania that are generally less economically developed or have historically been marginalized in global political and economic systems and is often contrasted with the Global North (wealthier, industrialized countries).  So at this forum delegates from newspaper organisations from round the world were given an opportunity to meet, share, discuss and fostering people-to-people partnerships all under one roof in both a formal and informal setting,

Sessions included  AI Technology  and Media Co-operation, World Heritage forum and a Think Tank sub forum each break out session provided participant to hear from speakers and to engage in a question and answer session.

A significant event on day one  was the signing of a letter of intent on news media cooperation between the Publicity Department of Yunnan Provincial Committee and the Ministry of Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

As the formal sessions ended  delegates were taken to various parts of the province.  Advo magazine  chose the  city of  Lijiang.  A tourism city known for its breathtaking views, its Snow mountain and Blue Moon Valley river.  Others visited Diane Lake, Chenjiang City,  Yuxi city Mengzi  City, High Prefecture and Mile City.

Just as the Three Parallel Rivers flow side by side through Yunnan’s rugged mountains, so too can developing nations move forward in parallel — distinct, yet united — toward a future defined by shared prosperity and mutual strength.