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Global South Media and Think Tank forum kicks off in South Africa

IOL Reporter|Updated

The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference will be held on Thursday and Friday to discuss ways to strengthen global governance and deepen China-Africa cooperation. Pictured are participants of the 2025 Global South Media and Think Tank Forum

Image: AFP

The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference is poised to become a pivotal event in deepening international cooperation and governance reforms, taking place this Thursday and Friday.

With more than 200 participants from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, and government organisations spanning 41 African nations alongside representatives from China and the African Union, the conference aims to explore transformative dialogues under the theme “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation.”

Key discussions will revolve around three core topics integral to fostering collaboration between China and African nations: “China-Africa Commitments to Global Governance Reform,” “China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalization,” and “China-Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence.” These discussions are anticipated to yield significant insights into how both regions can jointly navigate the complexities of global governance in a rapidly changing world.

In addition to panel discussions, participants will engage in a variety of activities, including a vibrant cultural exchange event that showcases the rich traditions of China’s Hunan Province alongside its African partners.

The forum will also unveil a significant think tank report titled “Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership – Work together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System.”

This report is expected to serve as a roadmap for future collaborations and strategies to enhance peace, development, and mutual understanding among nations.

Another highlight will be the launch of the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network, encapsulated in the “United in Heart, Path, and Action – 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan.”

This initiative aims to solidify collaborative efforts while fostering shared goals and aspirations that resonate within the framework of a collective future.

Jointly organised by the Xinhua News Agency and the African Union, the forum serves not only as a platform for dialogue but as a rallying point for media and think tanks to amplify the concept of an all-weather China-Africa community.

The organisers envision the Global South as a stabilising force in safeguarding peace and promoting an open developmental agenda while playing a constructive role in global governance.

IOL