The fifth World Media Summit (WMS) was held in Guangzhou, China starting from December third to eighth under the theme “Boosting Global Confidence, Promoting Media Development”. The Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL), (Lake House) Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam attended the Summit representing Sri Lanka.
Prof. Kariyawasam delivered a speech shedding light on International Cultural Communication in the New Era. During the speech, he highlighted the profound historical bonds that unite China and Sri Lanka.
“From ancient times, the Silk Road served as a channel for the flow of ideas, art, and philosophy between our civilizations. The Maritime Silk Route further deepened these connections, creating a rich interweaving of cultures. Chinese artifacts discovered in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan artifacts found in China provide evidence for this historical exchange, reflecting a deep appreciation for each other’s heritage. In the 21st century, the themes of international cultural communication and cooperation resonate more than ever. Our two nations are actively engaged in seeking growth through the media’s worldwide cooperation”, he read.
ANCL Chairman Professor
Harendra Kariyawasam
addresses the gathering.
“The rapid development of new media has been the main force accelerating the trend of globalization in human society in recent decades. New media have made it easier for people to connect with each other and with society as a whole. With digital communication, the feeling of space has made people feel like local, national, and global space is no longer useful. We all feel one. Controlling the creation and spread of messages are no longer just the domain of Church, State, and Government. It is now the domain of every single person” Prof. Kariyawasam said addressing the 5th World Media Summit.
The Summit, a pivotal platform for international media exchange and coordination, witnessed the presence of esteemed officials from the Chinese Central Government and Guangdong Provincial Government at its inauguration. In addition, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua and UN Under-Secretary General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming addressed the Summit.
The 5th WMS gathered over 450 participants from 101 countries and regions, including representatives of 197 mainstream media outlets, think tanks, Government agencies and diplomatic missions to China, and UN agencies and international organizations.
Prof. Kariyawasam said that the Summit provided an opportunity to personally experience China’s approach to modernization, its people-centered philosophy and its emphasis on innovation. “A key hallmark of Chinese modernization is its commitment to people-centered development, prioritizing the well-being, empowerment and quality of life for its citizens”, he added.
With the theme of “Boosting Global Confidence, Promoting Media Development,” the attendees conducted extensive and in-depth discussions on four topics, namely, “Bolstering Confidence: Media’s Role in Promoting Human Development and Security,” “Embracing Changes: Media’s Response to New Technological Opportunities and Challenges,” “Pioneering Innovation: Media’s New Markets in the Digital Age,” and “Seeking Growth: Media’s Worldwide Cooperation for a Better Future,” to explore ways for the media industry to address global challenges, the Joint Statement for the 5th World Media Summit said.
The participants emphasized the unprecedented pace of change in the contemporary world, which has not occurred in a century. They further emphasized the rise of unpredictability and uncertainties, and urged global media to serve as a conduit for answers to questions posed by the world, the times, and history.
They conveyed their optimism that international media would allocate greater focus towards the urgent concerns of developing nations concerning poverty alleviation, food security, financing for development, industrialization, and the resolution of development imbalances and deficiencies.
The document stated that in the midst of the information age’s accelerated technological advancement, global media should adhere to journalistic ethics and professional standards, actively pursue innovation, and make judicious use of emerging technologies.
To uphold the authority and credibility of the media, it was stated that the media should disseminate factual, objective, comprehensive, and unbiased news to our audience, resist misinformation, and oppose rumours and prejudices.
In order to provide greater stability and positive energy to a volatile world, the participants also urged global media organisations to enhance cooperation, promote the common development of the global media industry, and facilitate communication and understanding among nations and peoples with diverse historical backgrounds, cultural traditions, and levels of development.
According to Prof. Kariyawasam the summit focused on Bolstering Confidence highlighting that history, development, civilization prosperity and human progress require the media to shoulder the responsibilities of fostering unity and boosting confidence. And also, truthfulness is the lifeblood of news where the media should consider facts as the source of news, reflect the objective truth, oppose false or fake news, and ensure that reporting is accurate, fair, impartial, authoritative and trustworthy. In addition, acknowledging the challenges posed by new technology, media should better harness game-changing innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the entire process of news communication, improve production efficiency, enrich product forms, and release more news reports that are popular and enjoyable to their audiences.
Established in 2009 by a consortium of leading global media organizations, including Xinhua News Agency (China), the Associated Press (USA), Reuters (UK and USA), TASS (Russia), and Kyodo News (Japan), the WMS has evolved into an essential forum for fostering collaboration and dialogue among leading media entities worldwide.
The WMS stands as a pivotal platform that transcends borders, providing an unparalleled opportunity for media entities worldwide to converge, share insights, and foster meaningful collaborations. The presence of high-profile officials from many countries underscores the significance of this gathering in shaping the trajectory of global media discourse.
The inaugural WMS, held in Beijing in 2009, attracted over 300 representatives from more than 170 media outlets across 70 countries and regions, resulting in the issuance of the historic “World Media Summit Joint Statement.” Subsequent summits, such as the second edition in Moscow, Russia, in 2012, continued to garner international attention and participation.
The third WMS took place in Doha, Qatar from March 20 to 21, 2016, with the participation of over 350 representatives from approximately 100 countries and regions. The fourth WMS was held via video link in Beijing on November 22, 2021 (during the pandemic period), with nearly 400 delegates from over 260 media outlets and institutions attending, both virtually and in-person.
The WMS Presidium, the apex decision-making body overseeing crucial Summit matters, currently comprises 17 esteemed international media organizations. The President of the Xinhua News Agency, Fu Hua, serves as the Executive Chairman of the Presidium.
The full speech delivered by ANCL Chairman Prof. Kariyawasam:
“I stand before you today as the Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, which is also known as Lake House, the largest national print media Organization in Sri Lanka.
From ancient times, the Silk Road served as a channel for the flow of ideas, art, and philosophy between our civilizations. The Maritime Silk Route further deepened these connections, creating a rich interweaving of cultures. Chinese artifacts discovered in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan artifacts found in China are evidence to this historical exchange, reflecting a deep appreciation for each other’s heritage.
As we go into the historical pages of our nations, one cannot overlook the remarkable journey of Admiral Zheng He, the legendary Chinese maritime explorer, who embarked on a series of voyages from 1405 to 1433. Sri Lanka, with its central position in the Indian Ocean, became a significant waypoint in his travels. Zheng He’s visits to our island nation, as studied by scholars like Dr. Dewaraja, were marked by trade, cultural exchange, and understanding.
As we celebrate these historical ties, it is important to acknowledge the current strong relationship between China and Sri Lanka. The bonds connected by Admiral Zheng He have opened the way for a century of positive relations. Today, we witness collaborations in various sectors, from trade and investment to cultural exchanges and infrastructure development.
In the 21st century, the themes of international cultural communication and cooperation resonate more than ever. Our two nations are actively engaged in seeking growth through the media’s worldwide cooperation. Today’s sub-forum, with its focus on a better future, aligns perfectly with our shared vision for mutual prosperity.
The rapid development of new media has been the main force accelerating the trend of globalization in human society in recent decades.
New media have made it easier for people to connect with each other and with society as a whole. With digital communication, the feeling of space has made people feel like local, national, and global space is no longer useful. We all feel one. Controlling the creation and spread of messages are no longer just the domain of church, state, and government. It is now the domain of every single person.
Also, new media is the main force speeding up the trend of globalisation in society. The movement towards globalisation has changed almost every part of human life. For example, globalisation has changed how people think about what a community is, what cultural identity and civil society mean, and how people from different cultures should connect with each other. It demands a new way of intercultural interaction.
The impact of the integration of new media and globalization can be summarized into five precise effects, namely, a shrinking world, the compression of time and space, close interaction in different aspects of society, global connectivity, and accelerated local or global competition or cooperation.
In sum, due to the thrust of new media, the global trend creates new social networks and activities, redefines political, cultural, economic, geographical, and other boundaries of human society, intensifies and accelerates social exchanges, and involves both the micro-structures of personhood and macro-structures of community.
Throughout our histories and in the contemporary era, the exchange of literature, cinema, and journalism has played a central role in cultivating a profound understanding between our diverse cultures. This enduring cultural interchange continues to be the foundational force in bridging the gaps between our diverse societies, even in the face of AI advancements disrupting the media landscape.
Let me take this chance to extend heartfelt wishes for the enduring strength and prosperity of the longstanding bonds between China and Sri Lanka. May the friendship that makes up our present continue to grow strong into the future.
Thank you, China, for preserving this invaluable connection.
Together, let us ensure that the spirit of collaboration and harmony prevails for generations to come.”
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