Assembly of Russian World highlights role of media in strengthening global trust

As part of the 17th Assembly of the Russian World, a session titled “New Media dimension: strengthening dialogue – confidence-building” was held, co-organised by TV BRICS. The moderators were Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS, and Mahasha Piet Rampedi, Editor-in-Chief of African Times (South Africa).

The meeting brought together media experts from BRICS and BRICS+ countries to exchange experiences and professional assessments of the development of global media communications. Among the participants were representatives of TV BRICS partner media, including Leonardo Sobreira ("Brasil 247", Brazil), Ali Muhammad Ali ("News Agency of Nigeria", Nigeria), Mohamed Ghozzy ("Sada El Balad", Egypt), Wang Delu ("Eurasian Bureau of China Media Group," CMG), Martha Isabel Andres Roman ("Prensa Latina", Cuba), Сitlalmina Pina Cruz ("Canal 6Tv", Mexico), Marzieh Zaeri Irani ("IRIB", Iran), Denis Rogatyuk ("El Ciudadano", Chile), and others.

"BRICS, being a multicultural, multi-faith and multinational group, is today sending a message to the entire world – to act not against anyone, but for the sustainable development and prosperity of every country, based on the principles of mutual respect and understanding. Undoubtedly, the unifying role of the media in this process cannot be underestimated. The media bear great responsibility for developing humanitarian ties and promoting universal human values"

Janna Tolstikova CEO of TV BRICS

Experts noted the key role of international media cooperation in building trust between countries and peoples. Tatiana Shlychkova, Executive Director of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, highlighted the potential of the BRICS+ format, which allows countries to jointly strengthen horizontal links and exchange cultural experience.

“I believe that the BRICS+ format is the most relevant here, because all the agreements and initiatives of the BRICS countries […], as well as the new principles they are introducing, truly help to strengthen trust among peoples, serve as a channel of knowledge about different countries and cultures, and demonstrate what really unites people,” she said.

Speakers emphasised the importance of joint initiatives, the use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence to create a transparent and trustworthy media environment, to shape a multipolar information space, and to develop humanitarian cooperation within BRICS and BRICS+.

In an interview with TV BRICS, participants of the discussion shared their impressions of the meeting, as well as their observations and practical insights. Mohamed Ghozzy, Editor-in-Chief of the English version of "Sada El-Balad" (Egypt), said that the session had become a unique platform for exchanging experience in social media and strengthening trust in national media.

“I met friends from South Africa, from Sri Lanka, and from China, and all of them were very helpful to discuss what we should do in the future and what our plans are social media in the future,” Ghozzy noted.

In turn, Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of NAN (Nigeria), stressed that through the interaction between BRICS and the Global South, a shared media space is emerging, where states can tell their stories and make their voices heard.

Dylan Poitevin Della Pasqua, Editor-in-Chief, Agency Safras News (CMA), (Brazil), noted that media cooperation between BRICS and BRICS+ is vital for the direct exchange of verified information and for combating disinformation.

“I believe it is important that forums like this one should expand and be held in other countries as often as possible. Moreover, this exchange should not be limited to such events: we need educational courses and partnerships between BRICS countries. All these events will help us improve professional skills and develop a unified approach to communication,” the expert said.

The 17th Assembly of the Russian World is taking place in Moscow from 20 to 22 October 2025, with the participation of representatives from 105 countries. The forum is organised by the Russkiy Mir Foundation with informational support from TV BRICS. The media network invited heads of partner media from 16 countries to the Assembly as part of its own BRICS Global Media Tour project.

Photo: TV BRICS