5th World Media Summit

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent, with subtitles provided by the event organizer.

Distinguished Guests, 

Members of the Press, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to join you at the 5th World Media Summit, and I would like to thank the Xinhua News Agency for the invitation to address you at this session. I also wish to express appreciation for the long record of collaboration and support enjoyed by the United Nations in China in partnership with Xinhua.

As we gather here today, our world grapples with a myriad of challenges – the urgent existential concerns of climate change, conflicts, and a distressing surge in poverty and inequalities. It is against this backdrop that accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals assumes ever greater significance.

The United Nations, with its commitments to preventing conflict, sustaining peace, and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, acknowledges how closely these aspirations and challenges depend on the media. With less than seven years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we recognize and value the role of the media in global development, peace, and prosperity.

As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Journalists and the media fulfil a vital role in society, upholding and enabling democracy and holding power to account. They are essential to strong and accountable institutions and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."

Journalists and media professionals are crucial in ensuring public access to information through real-time news and current affairs coverage while educating and informing their audiences by presenting tangible solutions to global challenges.

In today's interconnected world, the media serves as a bridge that connects those from different backgrounds to foster mutual understanding. As we confront challenges that transcend national boundaries, the media's role in promoting global solidarity becomes increasingly needed. The stories we tell and the narratives we shape can bring together cultural gaps, creating empathy and collaboration on a global scale.

The media's influence extends beyond reporting honestly and fairly. It also involves focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations, sparking our imagination, and providing concrete examples of how global challenges can be addressed.

Instead of solely succumbing to the realities of hardship and suffering, we must also be able to rely on the media and journalists to inspire change and unite people in seeking solutions to global issues, conflicts, and crises. 

Together, we can motivate one another and drive social change by highlighting stories of resilience, innovation, and community-led solutions. By showcasing these narratives, we not only inform but also encourage individuals and communities to contribute actively to the Sustainable Development Goals, cultivating a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. 

Nevertheless, the advent of digital communication has introduced its own set of challenges, from increased instances of hate speech and cyberbullying to the rampant spread of disinformation and misinformation. 

The rise of deepfake technology and artificial intelligence-generated content underscores the need to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of information. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, we must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with technological advancements. 

The Information Integrity Agenda becomes paramount in redoubling our efforts to combat these issues. The media, as a cornerstone of public access to information, must lead the charge in providing fearless coverage and factually-based reporting, by working with technology experts to explore ways to verify and authenticate content. 

It is our collective responsibility to build a more just, sustainable world through the spread of accurate and timely information.

As we embark on a new phase of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, let us work together to share stories of hope, motivate the global community to stand collectively against injustice, create momentum for the Sustainable Development Goals, and above all, give a voice to the voiceless. 

In the spirit of international cooperation and multilateralism, let us strive for a world where everyone lives in peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet, where understanding and compassion flourish.

The United Nations in China stands ready to work more closely with the press, as we embark on a new phase of accelerated progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.    

I wish you a successful summit.