Author: Fiifi Nettey, Freelance Journalist–Columnist for Business & Financial Times Newspaper Ghana West Africa Diplomatic Society South-Africa.
As technological advancements continue to converge media platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping narratives and transforming journalism. It is helping journalists gather information, verify facts, fact-check reports, and disseminate information more quickly to a wider audience. Making them serve the interests of the public.
This year, journalists from across the world, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, gathered in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, to participate in the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum (BRJF). The forum, held under the theme “Convergence and Connectivity · Innovation and Progress · Media Transformation Amid Global Changes,” addressed key developments and emerging trends shaping the global media landscape. The forum started on October 12 to October 17, 2026
The host city, Nanjing, is located in Jiangsu Province along the eastern coast of China. The province stretches across the lower reaches of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. It faces the Yellow Sea to the east, borders Shandong Province to the north and Anhui Province to the west, and lies adjacent to Shanghai and Zhejiang Province to the southeast. Jiangsu Province covers a total land area of approximately 107,200 km². The city is very beautiful with architectural edifice.
The forum began with journalists divided into groups and dispatched to some provinces across China to explore the country’s technological advancements, innovative solutions, and ongoing development projects firsthand. The visits provided participants with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into China’s development journey and share these experiences and stories with audiences around the world.
The journalists were hosted to a dinner featuring a variety of delicious traditional Chinese dishes, accompanied by captivating cultural dance performances.
The event provided an opportunity for journalists from different parts of the world to interact, exchange ideas, and reminisce about shared experiences. It was a joyful and engaging evening that celebrated cultural diversity, friendship, and international collaboration.
The forum featured roundtable discussions on October 16, 2026, which participants explored various topics shaping the future of journalism. Group 2 focused on the topic “AI Applications: Journalists’ Competence Amid Media Transformation.”
Members of the group actively shared their views, experiences, and perspectives on the subject, making the discussion an insightful and enriching learning experience for everyone.
The session was moderated by Professor Zheng Changzhong, who offered valuable insights into the role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and the competencies journalists need to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The opening ceremony commenced at 8:30 a.m. on October 17, 2026 at Nanjing Hall, International Youth Convention Hotel Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China with the introduction of guests and dignitaries attending the forum. This was followed by a keynote address delivered by 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.
In his address, He Ping called on journalists worldwide to play a greater role in strengthening connectivity, sharing stories of common development, amplifying the voices of the Global South, and embracing innovation amid the ongoing transformation of the global media landscape.
“We must tell the stories of the profound transformation taking place across these vast lands, document the enduring legacies of ancient civilisations, and highlight their tireless efforts to promote unity, self-reliance and progress,” Mr Ping added.
He also urged media professionals to promote peace, fairness and cooperation through reporting the challenges prejudice and moves beyond narratives driven by confrontation and zero-sum thinking.
Mr Ping noted that artificial intelligence is transforming news production and editorial processes, making it imperative for media organisations to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
“Adapting to change and embracing new technology is no longer a matter of choice; it is an imperative,” he said.
He cautioned that the adoption of AI must not compromise factual accuracy, originality or human editorial responsibility.
In another Keynote Speech by Mr. Puy Kea
Rotating President of the Presidium, Belt and Road Journalists Network
President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists highlighted the numerous global challenges facing the world today, including technological disruption, artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty, and environmental concerns. He emphasized that these challenges raises a critical question: How can the international community build a global governance system that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all nations?
Mr Kea called for more inclusive representation and greater recognition of the voices of the Global South, stressing that global governance must better reflect the perspectives and interests of developing countries.
“We must move beyond unilateral approaches and embrace greater dialogue, partnership and shared responsibility,” he said.
Mo Gaoyi, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of the State Council Information Office, underscored the Belt and Road Initiative’s contribution to strengthening international economic cooperation.
He revealed that China’s trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached RMB 23.6 trillion (more than US$3.5 trillion) in 2025, marking a 6.3 per cent increase and accounting for 51.9 per cent of the country’s total foreign trade.
Mo called on media organizations to strengthen international understanding and amplify Global South perspectives.
Xu Ying, another member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Government, urged journalists to document the outcomes of Belt and Road cooperation, including technological innovation, rural development and cultural exchanges.
She also stressed the importance of countering disinformation and safeguarding a fair and rational global communication environment.
The forum also provided an opportunity for Media ambassadors from within and different parts of the world, including Africa, to share their experiences and perspectives on China’s developments. They highlighted stories of China’s contributions to global development through trade, commerce, and infrastructure projects across various countries.
Ms. Wu Xu, Secretary-General of the Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN) and Executive Secretary of the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) announced 10 new Journalist organization have joined in the cooperation mechanism of International Home of Journalists. The newly inducted members were presented with certificates in recognition of their membership.
There was a roundtable held for representatives of journalists’ organizations and media outlets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America gathered in the afternoon for a roundtable to discuss international cooperation, journalistic ethics, talent development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.
Participants emphasized the importance of ethical reporting, public trust, balanced global narratives, and collaboration in addressing challenges such as misinformation and artificial intelligence. They proposed joint reporting, professional training, multilingual communication, and shared newsroom initiatives to strengthen cooperation.
Ms. Wu Xu, Secretary-General of the Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN) and Executive Secretary of the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) , noted that the “International Journalists’ Home” community has expanded to 43 countries over the past three years.
The fruitful discussion reaffirmed participants’ commitment to strengthening international media partnerships, promoting mutual understanding, and ensuring diverse voices are heard worldwide.
Representatives of journalists’ organizations and media outlets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America departed the next day to their various countries after a successful forum.
