BEIJING, China – Six Zimbabwean journalists have graduated from the Seminar for News Officials and Journalists from the Global South, completing a two-week programme in China aimed at strengthening media cooperation, advancing digital journalism and enhancing storytelling across developing nations.
The seminar brought together news officials and journalists from several countries in the Global South to exchange experiences, deepen media collaboration and explore the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in transforming journalism and strengthening the voices of developing nations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, China Broadcasting International Economic and Technical Cooperation (CBIC) Deputy General Manager, Mr He Dongbo, said relations between China and countries of the Global South had evolved into a long-term strategic partnership built on mutual development and cooperation.
“We are now more than friends; we are partners walking side by side,” Mr He said.
“Our cooperation will continue, and CBIC has always been committed to promoting exchanges between China and countries of the Global South.”
He urged journalists to embrace technological innovation and play a more active role in shaping the international media landscape.
“Over the past two weeks, we have demonstrated that technology can drive development and reshape international media discourse,” he said.
“The challenge before us is not only to report on development but to participate in it. We must tell our own stories and enhance our influence on the global stage.”
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Cambodia’s Deputy Director General of Information and Broadcasting, Mr Choun ChanPrearoun, commended China for strengthening partnerships with developing countries through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
“We are grateful that China continues to open its doors and foster mutually beneficial partnerships with countries in the Global South,” he said.
“The knowledge we have gained will help us preserve our cultural heritage and improve the way we tell our stories to the world.”
Speaking after the graduation ceremony, Takudzwa Brett Karowangoro, Group Deputy News Editor at Hurumende News Hub, Zimbabwe, said the programme had equipped participants with practical skills that would strengthen journalism and support national development.
“This seminar has broadened our understanding of how artificial intelligence, digital innovation and modern communication technologies are transforming the media industry.
We are returning home better equipped to tell Zimbabwe’s development story with greater accuracy, innovation and global relevance.”
Karowangoro said the knowledge gained would contribute to promoting balanced reporting and strengthening cooperation between media organisations across the Global South.
“The exchange of ideas and experiences has reinforced the importance of collaboration among developing nations.
As journalists, we have a responsibility to embrace new technologies, uphold professional ethics and ensure our stories reflect the aspirations, achievements and opportunities of our people.
This experience will inspire us to produce journalism that informs, educates and contributes to national and regional development.”
For the six Zimbabwean journalists, the graduation marks the completion of specialised training in digital storytelling, artificial intelligence, media technology and international communication, strengthening Zimbabwe’s participation in global media cooperation.
During the programme, participants attended lectures by Chinese experts, engaged with leading media institutions, explored developments in AI-powered journalism and visited cultural and technological sites to gain practical insights into the application of innovation in journalism, public communication and national development.
