Media experts from BRICS and BRICS+ countries have highlighted the key role of international media cooperation in building trust between nations and peoples during a session at the 17th Assembly of the Russian World in Moscow.
The session, titled “New Media dimension: strengthening dialogue – confidence-building,” was co-organised by TV BRICS and brought together media experts from countries including Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, China, Cuba, Mexico, Iran, and Chile.
“BRICS, being a multicultural, multi-faith and multinational group, is today sending a message to the entire world – to act not against anyone, but for the sustainable development and prosperity of every country, based on the principles of mutual respect and understanding,” said Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS, who co-moderated the session. “Undoubtedly, the unifying role of the media in this process cannot be underestimated.”
Tatiana Shlychkova, Executive Director of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, which organised the forum, highlighted the potential of the BRICS+ format to strengthen horizontal links and cultural exchange.
“I believe that the BRICS+ format is the most relevant here, because all the agreements and initiatives of the BRICS countries […], as well as the new principles they are introducing, truly help to strengthen trust among peoples, serve as a channel of knowledge about different countries and cultures, and demonstrate what really unites people,” she said.
Speakers emphasised the importance of joint initiatives, the use of digital platforms, and artificial intelligence in creating a transparent and trustworthy media environment and shaping a multipolar information space.
In an interview with TV BRICS, Mohamed Ghozzy, Editor-in-Chief of the English version of Egypt’s “Sada El-Balad,” said the session had become a unique platform for exchanging experience in social media and strengthening trust in national media.
“I met friends from South Africa, from Sri Lanka, and from China, and all of them were very helpful to discuss what we should do in the future and what our plans are social media in the future,” Ghozzy noted.
Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stressed that through the interaction between BRICS and the Global South, a shared media space is emerging where states can tell their stories and make their voices heard.
Dylan Poitevin Della Pasqua, Editor-in-Chief of Brazil’s Agency Safras News, said media cooperation is vital for the direct exchange of verified information and for combating disinformation.
“I believe it is important that forums like this one should expand and be held in other countries as often as possible,” the expert said.
The 17th Assembly of the Russian World took place in Moscow from Oct. 20-22, with the participation of representatives from 105 countries.
