APMF 2026: Xinhua Rallies Asia-Pacific Media To Deepen Cooperation, Amplify Regional Voice

SHENZHEN, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- The Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026 officially commenced here today, bringing together media leaders and representatives from across the region as China gears up to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on 18 and 19 Nov.

At the opening ceremony, China's Xinhua News Agency called on media organisations across Asia-Pacific to deepen cooperation and amplify the region's voice in the global information landscape amidst growing uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Editor-in-Chief Lyu Yansong emphasised that news organisations should not merely document the changes of our time, but also actively foster win-win cooperation and contribute to improving global governance.

He urged media outlets to strengthen their role as bridges for collaboration and people-to-people understanding, while bringing positive stories of Asia-Pacific cooperation to audiences worldwide.

"We should jointly spread positive messages about Asia-Pacific cooperation and make the voice of an Asia-Pacific moving forward hand in hand resonate more strongly in the global public opinion arena,” he said, addressing the forum.

Also present at the forum was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. 

Lyu said journalists can contribute by reporting from the frontlines of economic and trade cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and livelihood projects, offering a fuller, more nuanced picture of the achievements and potential of mutually beneficial partnerships across the region.

Against this backdrop, he announced that the forum would see the establishment of the Preparatory Committee for the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Programme.

The programme is a new platform designed to advance high-level dialogue, coordinated communication, technological innovation and practical cooperation among regional media outlets.

He also called for efforts to develop the programme into a lasting mechanism for deeper collaboration, one that helps cultivate a favourable public opinion environment for the Asia-Pacific's "next golden 30 years."

Lyu further identified AI and emerging technologies as another key area for cooperation among Asia-Pacific media organisations.

She said Xinhua has developed over 220 digital tools to date, holds more than 90 technology patents, and has established 11 industry standards related to the application of large models in the news sector.

Meanwhile, United Nations under-secretary-general for Global Communications Melissa Fleming highlighted that, amid mounting global challenges, the world is increasingly turning to ethical and professional journalism for reliable information, making facts and public trust more crucial than ever.

She emphasised that journalists play a central role in ensuring societies have access to the trustworthy information needed to understand complex issues and pursue meaningful solutions.

"We need journalists for facts, we need facts for trust, and we need trust," she said, adding that audiences around the world are seeking solutions and "crying out for ethical, professional journalism that they can trust".

She said the world needs a press that acts with integrity, stands up for the vulnerable and delivers facts that cut through the noise.

Fleming pointed out that the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity urge governments to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom, protect journalists and end impunity for crimes committed against them.

She also called for accurate, in-depth reporting that clarifies complex issues while creating space for meaningful dialogue with those working toward solutions.

Organised by Xinhua and its partners, the APMF 2026 is themed "Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action."

The forum takes place ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, hosted by Shenzhen on Nov 18 and 19. 

-- BERNAMA