BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum in Brazil presents initiative on media cooperation in AI

The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event featured the presentation of the BRICS Initiative for Cooperation and Development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Media and Think Tanks. The initiative was reported by Xinhua News Agency, the organiser of the forum, and a partner of TV BRICS.

The initiative aims to strengthen joint efforts in the field of AI among Global South countries. The document calls for open and equitable exchange of knowledge and technologies to harness the potential of AI in media production and research activity.

The forum was opened by Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency. He urged participants to promote inclusive coexistence of civilisations, emphasising that cultural diversity should guide BRICS towards a shared future.

“Since 2015, we have been holding the BRICS Media Forum and have consistently received positive feedback. During this time, we have established practical cooperation: annual meetings, joint declarations, and action plans. We organise photo exhibitions, joint workshops, and exchange visits, all of which help to strengthen cultural ties between BRICS countries and their peoples,” said Fu Hua.

The forum’s programme included a plenary session and thematic discussions focusing on key areas of BRICS cooperation. Participants explored prospects for a shared digital future using AI, governance challenges amid the group’s expansion,  as well as the growing role and influence of media and think tanks in shaping BRICS' collective voice on the global stage.

During the session titled "BRICS Cooperation: Advancing Greater Development for Global South," Daria Ivankova, Director of the TV BRICS International Cooperation Department, stressed the importance of expanding media ties to build a unified positive agenda and deepen cultural exchange.

“TV BRICS is proud to announce its support for the 'Global South Joint Communication Partnership Programme'. […] We deeply appreciate that our priorities and vision align with those of our partners, and look forward to working together to strengthen our collective capacity in shaping a more equitable and inclusive global information environment,” she stated.

The work of TV BRICS was specifically highlighted in one of the sessions by Mohammadmahdi Rahmati, CEO of Mehr Media Group, a member of the media network.

“The idea of TV BRICS has focused on building cultural and human connections among BRICS countries. Based on our nearly two years of cooperation, I can say that it has helped improve fair content production and distribution and strengthen unity within BRICS. I believe this forum’s final statement should support such efforts and call for follow-up and progress through subcommittees and future meetings,” said Rahmati.

African representatives also took part in the forum. Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), which is part of the TV BRICS partner network, stated that obtaining BRICS partner country status has significantly impacted the development of Nigeria’s media sector. Among the benefits, he cited access to training programmes for Nigerian journalists, expanded opportunities for content exchange, and exposure to advanced technologies in the media sphere.

“Nigeria's participation in the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum is crucial for promoting the African voice in the global information space,” the NAN Managing Director added in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS.

A similar view on the role of media in BRICS and Global South integration was expressed by Johannyl Rodriguez Rivero, Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Information. In conversation with the media network, he noted that his country is building strong ties with the group, and in the media sphere, particularly close cooperation is developing with Russia and China.

“It is fair to say that Venezuela has always been part of BRICS. We said this last year, and it was no metaphor. We are genuinely putting forward concrete actions and initiatives aimed at bringing the group’s countries and the broader Global South closer together,” he said.

The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum was organised in cooperation with government institutions of Brazil. The event brought together over 250 professionals from 36 countries.

Photo: Xinhua / TV BRICS