2023 Belt and Road Journalists Forum Held in Beijing

The 2023 Belt and Road Journalists Forum, hosted by the All-China Journalists Association, was held in Beijing on October 12. Distinguished guests from China and abroad gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Over the decade, BRI participating nations have deepened policy communication, facilitated infrastructure development, expanded trade routes, enhanced financial connectivity, and promoted people-to-people bonds, all contributing to improving the quality of life of people in participating countries and injecting positive energy into global peace and development. Journalists from BRI participating countries, united through the Belt and Road Journalists Network, have steadfastly promoted cooperation, upheld moral principles amid international changes, and support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have contributed to a better understanding of the BRI across the world and played an important role in promoting the concept to a wider audience.

Both domestic and foreign guests at the event expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation within the framework of the BRI. They emphasized the importance of telling stories of BRI successes, with the hope of promoting global peace and development. By actively preserving traditional culture, fostering innovation, and promoting coexistence among different civilizations, they aim to advance the BRI for long-term, high-quality development. Furthermore, they discussed expanding the scope of “Journalists Home” and creating an international network for journalists to shape a brighter future together.

Sun Yeli, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office of China, attended the event and delivered a speech. Nearly a hundred leaders of journalist organizations and media representatives from over 40 BRI participating countries and regions were present and engaged in in-depth discussions.

During the forum, the “Join Hands to Embark on a New Journey of the Next Decade — Joint Declaration of the Belt and Road Journalist Organizations” was issued, expressing the collective dedication to enhancing political trust, economic and trade relations, cultural exchanges, and media cooperation among BRI participating nations. It also stressed the strong desire to foster mutual understanding, trust, and people-to-people bonds among BRI participating countries. The forum also announced the winners of the “Indomitable Spirit” Short Video Collection and launched a photo and short video competition with the theme “Building a Home Planet.”