The 2024 BRICS Media Summit, held from 13 to 17 September in Moscow, Russia, marks a significant gathering of media leaders from around the world. Organized by Russia’s TASS news agency in collaboration with China’s Xinhua News Agency, this summit underscores the pivotal role of media in shaping a multipolar world order.
Key themes and discussions
The summit’s central theme revolves around the role of media in a multipolar world, addressing challenges such as the proliferation of fake news and the need for constructive international dialogue. The event features plenary sessions and roundtable discussions focusing on technological transformation, media cooperation, and the impact of media on international relations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of BRICS as a multilateral cooperation mechanism and highlighted the crucial role of media in fostering mutual understanding and trust among nations. Andrey Kondrashov, Director General of TASS, pointed out that BRICS media should serve as a bridge connecting people from different countries, beyond just reporting on political and economic cooperation.
Participation of non-member countries
This year’s summit is notable for the inclusion of non-member countries such as Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These nations participated as observers, reflecting their growing interest in the BRICS framework and its potential benefits.
Thailand and Malaysia have shown a keen interest in joining BRICS, viewing it as a counterweight to Western economic hegemony and a platform for securing trade deals and investments. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been particularly vocal about Malaysia’s aspirations to join BRICS, lobbying for support from existing member countries.
Laos and Indonesia also participated in the summit, underscoring their interest in the BRICS platform as a means to enhance their international standing and economic prospects. The inclusion of these countries as non-members highlights the expanding influence of BRICS and its appeal to other nations seeking to diversify their international partnerships.
Technological transformation and media cooperation
One of the key sessions at the summit focused on the technological transformation of media within BRICS countries. Experts discussed the impact of digital technologies on journalism and the need for media outlets to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes. The session underscored the importance of innovation in media practices to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information.
The 2024 BRICS Media Summit in Moscow serves as a testament to the growing influence of BRICS in the global media landscape. By bringing together media leaders from member and non-member countries, the summit fosters dialogue and cooperation, addressing the challenges of a multipolar world. The participation of Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia as non-members reflects the expanding appeal of BRICS and its potential to shape a more inclusive and balanced global order.
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