Media and think tanks play a crucial role in strengthening BRICS unity and forging a new chapter for the Global South, Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Getachew highlighted the BRICS mechanism’s fast-growing global stature and potential, emphasizing its “significant position” within the global order and its strategic potential to advance an effective and equitable multilateral system.
“As a driving force for cooperation based on mutual benefit as well as fair and equitable governance, BRICS has a great potential to reinforce multilateralism,” Getachew affirmed, citing its recent expansion as a clear reflection of its growing role as a voice for the Global South.
Acknowledging the media’s “unique role” in setting constructive narratives, the spokesperson highlighted the crucial imperative for the media to promote diversity, counter misinformation, as well as foster people-to-people ties among countries in the Global South.
He also underscored the media’s “instrumental role” in creating an equitable world order by accurately portraying BRICS and alleviating the “negative perceptions rooted in fear and misinformation” toward the bloc and its aspirations.
It is the responsibility of the media to amplify BRICS countries’ collective resolve in tackling existential global threats of climate change, extreme poverty, conflicts, terrorism, and complex security situations, said the spokesperson.
As BRICS countries enjoy deepening government-to-government and closer people-to-people ties, he urged the bloc to harness the power of the media to further augment the wide-ranging cooperation across the Global South.
“Considering the geographic distance between BRICS countries, creating strong bonds in culture, art, sports, and humanitarian activities highly depends on an active media platform that deliberately invests in programs and initiatives that strengthen our bond,” he said.
Addressing the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, which was held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro from Tuesday to Thursday under the theme “BRICS United: Forging a New Chapter for Global South,” Getachew called for supporting media houses in fostering partnerships and carrying out their responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of bringing the Global South closer.
He urged the delegates at the forum to support media houses “to carry out their lofty responsibilities.” Meanwhile, Getachew stressed the Ethiopian government’s keen resolve to expand and enhance media partnerships with BRICS countries and media institutions.
The high-level forum, focusing on how to advance BRICS cooperation and strengthen solidarity across the Global South, attracted over 250 representatives from nearly 150 media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and regional organizations across 36 countries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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