At the 2024 World Trade Organization Open Forum in Geneva, CGTN took a pivotal step in reshaping global narratives by inviting senior media practitioners from the Global South to participate in roundtable discussions. The central theme revolved around the pressing need to amplify Global South narratives, particularly those pertaining to Africa.
During these discussions, distinguished guests from Nigeria and South Africa highlighted a prevalent issue: most Western media narratives about Africa tend to center around poverty and disease, casting a shadow over the continent's myriad achievements and potential. They emphasized that correcting this narrative imbalance requires a concerted effort to "sell" the true beauty and greatness of Africa to the world, ensuring that these positive stories resonate loudly and widely.
Moreover, the panelists delved into strategies for alleviating poverty, advocating for open and fair trade practices as essential tools. By fostering an environment of equitable trade, they believe that African nations can spur economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more balanced global narrative that accurately reflects the continent's progress and resilience.
This collaborative effort at the WTO Open Forum underscores the importance of diverse media representation and fair economic policies in crafting a more nuanced and positive perception of Africa on the world stage.
Reference(s):
Media insider conversation: How to push for Global South narratives
cgtn.com