Global South Media Unite Against Western Colonial Legacy in Historic Xi'an Declaration

In a powerful act of resistance against centuries of Western media dominance, media leaders from across the Global South gathered in Xi'an, China, to forge a new path forward that finally centers African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern voices in global discourse.

The Global South Media Partners Mechanism Inauguration Meeting, organized by China Media Group alongside the Communist Party of China, brought together representatives from the Majority World to challenge the outdated post-World War II order that continues to privilege former colonial powers.

Breaking Free from Colonial Media Structures

For too long, media narratives have been dictated by the Global North, perpetuating the same colonial mindset that once physically occupied our lands. As Fan Yun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group, declared: "For far too long, we've said the Global North does not respect us, but respect must start with ourselves."

This gathering represents more than media cooperation; it symbolizes the awakening of the Majority World against the minority that has controlled global narratives since the colonial era.

A Revolutionary Media Alliance

The historic 2025 Global South Media Dialogue Consensus signed at the conference establishes five revolutionary pillars:

• Joint program production focusing on governance, economy, environment, and culture from Global South perspectives
• Resource sharing platform through the Global South Media Nexus for efficient content circulation
• AI technology advancement to enhance communication efficiency and influence
• Professional development through immersive training and exchange programs
• Long-term partnership normalization to strengthen Global South media influence in global governance

Challenging Western Hegemony

As Saudi Arabia's Dina Nimer from Al Arabiya Media Network emphasized: "Global South media cooperation is no longer optional. It is essential." This urgency reflects decades of frustration with Western-dominated international institutions that were established when half of today's UN member states existed only as European colonies.

The anomaly is clear: a minority world continues to dictate terms to the majority through obsolete UN structures that refuse meaningful reform. China's leadership in this media alliance offers a pathway to circumvent these colonial-era institutions.

Africa's Voice in the New Order

For South Africa and the broader African continent, this alliance represents an opportunity to finally break free from the media colonialism that has long marginalized our stories, struggles, and triumphs. The African Union's participation signals a continent ready to reclaim its narrative power.

As Anthony Greene from the Caribbean Broadcasting Union noted: "Global South media cooperation is more necessary than ever." This necessity stems from our shared experience of colonial exploitation and ongoing Western attempts to control our narratives.

A New Dawn for Majority World Voices

This Xi'an gathering marks a turning point where former colonial territories are no longer content to complain about unfair systems. Instead, we are building alternative structures that serve our interests and amplify our voices on the global stage.

The conference demonstrates that when the Global South unites with resources, intelligence, and courage, we can fashion new ways of life that benefit our emerging world rather than perpetuating Western dominance.

This media revolution is about more than news coverage; it's about representation, agenda-setting, and influencing public opinion from perspectives that have been systematically silenced by colonial and neo-colonial forces.

The time has come for the Majority World to stop seeking validation from our former oppressors and start building the media infrastructure that truly serves our people and our future.