Held in the culturally significant city of Qufu on April 25, 2025, the forum united participants in a shared mission to harness media as a force for weaving humanity’s diverse voices into a cohesive, resilient future.

Organized by China Media Group in partnership with the People’s Government of Shandong Province, the event brought together media professionals, scholars, government officials, and industry leaders from around the world.

Focused on strengthening global dialogue through media innovation and sustainable development, the forum featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and field visits to high-tech enterprises in Qingdao and Yantai.

Its purpose was to explore how media can advance intercultural understanding and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive global future.

As the sunlit courtyards of Qufu witnessed the exchange of ideas, participants were reminded that civilization itself depends on communication rooted in respect and inclusiveness.

Drawing from Confucian teachings, Deputy Head of Publicity, Department of the CPC Central Committee and President of CMG, Shen Haixiong, emphasized, "Exchanges and mutual learning are essential for civilizations to flourish."

Reflecting on President Xi Jinping’s call for a "civilizational outlook based on equality, mutual appreciation, dialogue and inclusiveness," the speaker called for the media to embrace a new role—not just telling stories, but weaving civilizations together.

Addressing the complexity of today’s media landscape, Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, underscored the pressing need for information integrity.

"Much of the world denounces the information from social media," she warned, lamenting that algorithms often prioritize sensationalism over truth.

Fleming urged leaders and journalists to "raise and enforce editorial standards" and to "safeguard our future by providing quality journalism based on facts and reality," reinforcing the forum’s shared belief that reliable media is essential for a sustainable global community.

The Forum also reflected Shandong’s broader commitment to openness and innovation. Secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial People’s Congress, stressed that "media serves as a bridge and link to enhance mutual trust and an important force to promote cultural exchanges," emphasizing the province’s strategic vision to strengthen international communication through technological empowerment and cultural storytelling.

Media innovation was not seen as a force opposed to tradition, but as an extension of civilization’s enduring values. As Shen Haixiong noted, “The wisdom of Confucianism—harmony in diversity and unity of all things—has shaped the open-mindedness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization.”

This wisdom, they argued, must guide the media’s evolution in an era of artificial intelligence and global digital connectivity.

The Forum showcased how new technologies can deepen cultural exchanges rather than dilute them.

“We are injecting benevolence and civilization progress values into the intelligent transformation,” Shen affirmed, envisioning a future where AI strengthens human bonds rather than fragments them.

The forum took place in the culturally significant city of Qufu on April 25, 2025.

Focused on strengthening global dialogue through media innovation and sustainable development, the forum featured keynote speeches and panel discussions.

The forum brought together media professionals, scholars, government officials, and industry leaders from around the world.

The Forum also reflected Shandong’s broader commitment to openness and innovation.