KPL
To mark the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), a group of rising media professionals from the Global South embarked on an 11-day journey across China. Held from 8–18 July 2026, the Global Development Initiative International Media Youth Training Programme brought together journalists from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific, offering them a first-hand understanding of China's development path while strengthening their role as bridges for cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation.
Hosted in Beijing and Hainan Province, the programme was designed to go beyond the headlines. Participants engaged with leading experts, academics and industry leaders to explore the key pillars of Chinese modernisation, including high-quality development, digital transformation and green innovation.
"Our core aspiration is to empower young media practitioners from all countries, enabling the truths about development to be seen and the voices of the Global South to be heard," said Li Xiangyu, Director of the Global Development Promotion Center, at the programme's closing ceremony.
The itinerary showcased both China's technological innovation and its rural revitalisation efforts.
In Beijing, participants visited Tencent's Carbon Neutrality Lab, where they learned how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are being applied to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable development.
The delegation then travelled to the mountainous city of Wuzhishan in Hainan Province to witness the outcomes of China's rural revitalisation strategy. In Maona Village, participants observed how targeted industrial development and tourism have transformed local livelihoods, while also experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the Li ethnic community.
In Sanya, the group explored the Hainan Free Trade Port, gaining a deeper understanding of China's commitment to high-standard opening-up and international cooperation.
For many participants, the programme provided an evidence-based foundation for more informed and balanced reporting.
At the closing ceremony, the organisers highlighted the growing responsibility of the next generation of journalists in promoting mutual understanding and sustainable development.
Li Nan of CGTN encouraged participants to use their platforms to tell "well-rounded, authentic stories" about global development.
"Young media practitioners serve as vital bridges between different cultures," she said. "May this training programme mark a new beginning for all of you as you bring youthful energy to strengthening friendship and understanding among people around the world."
Speaking on behalf of the international participants, Aminath Namza, Chairperson of Public Service Media (PSM) Maldives, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity.
"We sincerely thank the Government of China and the organisers for this opportunity under President Xi Jinping's Global Development Initiative. The Initiative reflects the importance of solidarity, mutual learning and cooperation among countries of the Global South, and we have experienced those values first-hand throughout this journey.
"One lesson that will stay with me long after I leave China is the emphasis on putting people at the heart of development. As someone serving in government, I believe the true measure of leadership is not only economic growth or technological advancement, but whether people's lives are genuinely improved. That is a principle I will carry home with me."
As the programme concluded, participants returned home with far more than technical knowledge. They also departed with a stronger network of peers from across the Global South and a shared commitment to producing journalism that promotes sustainable development, mutual learning and inclusive growth for the benefit of all.
"Young media practitioners serve as vital bridges between different cultures," she said. "May this training programme mark a new beginning for all of you as you bring youthful energy to strengthening friendship and understanding among people around the world."
“We sincerely thank the Government of China and the organizers for this opportunity under President Xi Jinping's Global Development Initiative. The Initiative reflects the importance of solidarity, mutual learning, and cooperation among countries of the Global South, and we have experienced those values firsthand throughout this journey. One lesson that will stay with me long after I leave China is the emphasis on putting people at the heart of development. As someone serving in government, I believe the true measure of leadership is not only economic growth or technological advancement, but whether people's lives are genuinely improved. That is a principle I will carry home with me,” Mrs. Aminath Namza, Chairperson, Public Service Media, PSM – Maldives one representative of young international media leader participate.
"The lectures and field visits gave me first-hand, evidence-based insights into green development and how modernisation is transforming rural communities," said Winston Mwale, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AfricaBrief in Malawi. He added that the training had significantly enhanced his understanding of the GDI and would enable his publication to produce more nuanced coverage of China–Africa cooperation.
As the programme concluded, participants returned home with more than technical knowledge. They also left with a network of peers from across the Global South, united by a shared commitment to telling stories that foster sustainable development, mutual learning and inclusive growth for the benefit of all humanity.
KPL
