Yunnan Consensus Unites Global South Media Against Hegemonies and for a New World Order

By Leonardo Attuch, from Kunming, Yunnan, China – From September 5th to 9th, 2025, approximately 500 representatives from 260 media outlets, think tanks, governments, and international organizations from 110 countries gathered in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China, for the Global South Media and Think Tanks Forum 2025. 

The meeting resulted in the so-called "Yunnan Consensus," a document that affirms the unity of the Global South in the face of international crises and reinforces the defense of a more just and multipolar world order.

The forum took place under the theme "Uniting forces from the South to face global transformations" and focused on the role of media and research centers in amplifying the voices of the Global South, building consensus, and promoting cooperation between countries.

Advocacy for peace and criticism of hegemony.

The Consensus highlights that countries of the Global South, historically committed to peace and security, must intensify their presence in global governance. The text rejects unilateralism and hegemony, calling for unity against artificial divisions and the strengthening of true multilateralism.

In a clear message against the dominance of Western powers, the document argues that the international order should be rebuilt on "more just and equitable" foundations, based on cooperation and not confrontation.

Modernization and sustainable development

Another key point is inclusive modernization as a common goal. The Consensus urges countries to prioritize poverty reduction, industrialization, agricultural modernization, and green and sustainable development. 

Participants also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences of economic integration and shared prosperity as a way to break with the monolithic narrative imposed by the Global North.

Civilizations and artificial intelligence

The document also highlights the role of the rich cultural traditions of the Global South in the dialogue between civilizations. It proposes initiatives such as the "World Heritage Tourism Program" and advocates respect for cultural diversity as an antidote to the homogenization imposed by dominant models.

Finally, it addresses the risks and opportunities brought about by artificial intelligence, arguing that the Global South should use new technologies to reduce inequalities, always based on journalistic ethics and the transmission of true and fair information.

Collective strength

In conclusion, the Yunnan Consensus emphasizes that the Global South must consolidate its voice as a stable force for peace, central to open development, constructive in global governance, and a promoter of exchange between civilizations.

Read the full text of the Yunnan Consensus.

Yunnan Consensus of the Global South Media and Think Tanks Forum

September 2025

From September 5th to 9th, 2025, the Global South Media and Think Tanks Forum 2025 was held in Yunnan Province, China, bringing together approximately 500 representatives from over 260 media outlets, think tanks, and government institutions from 110 countries and regions, as well as international and regional organizations. Under the theme "Uniting forces from the South to address global transformations," the Forum fostered broad dialogues and in-depth discussions. 

Participants explored ways to strengthen the role of media and think tanks in uniting the Global South, amplifying its voice, deepening cooperation, promoting exchange between civilizations, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Defense of peace and security.

We believe that countries in the Global South have long championed peace and security, becoming an indispensable constructive force in the international community. 

Media outlets and think tanks in the Global South must fully exercise their role as bridges, broadly consolidate consensus, raise the voice of justice, and contribute with wisdom and strength to expanding the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance, as well as to promoting global peace and stability.

True multilateralism

We believe that defending true multilateralism and improving global governance is in the common interests of countries in the Global South. 

Media outlets and think tanks must promote humanity's shared values, support a vision of global governance based on broad consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and issue the powerful call of our era: unity, not division; cooperation, not confrontation; justice, not hegemony. Together, we must propel the international order toward a more just and equitable direction.

Modernization as a common goal

We believe that modernization is a shared aspiration among countries in the Global South. Faced with unprecedented transformations in a century, media and think tanks—as important forces in development and revitalization—should focus on themes such as poverty reduction, industrialization, agricultural modernization, and green and sustainable development.

They should also vividly narrate the stories of economic integration, interconnected growth, and shared prosperity, contributing to the development of nations and advancing together on the path to modernization.

Exchange between civilizations

We believe that countries in the Global South, with their long historical traditions and rich cultural heritage, offer ample space for exchange and mutual learning among world civilizations. 

The media and think tanks must jointly defend respect for civilizational diversity, better fulfill their responsibilities to preserve cultural continuity, disseminate values, and promote exchange. 

They should support initiatives such as the "World Heritage Tourism Programme", encourage inclusive coexistence between different civilizations, and foster greater understanding and closeness between peoples.

Artificial intelligence and media innovation

We recognize that the rapid development of artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for progress to countries in the Global South, but also brings unpredictable risks and challenges. 

The media and think tanks must effectively utilize new information technologies to build a development model in which humans and technology advance together, driving the transformation of communication methods.

They should contribute to reducing the global technological gap, while maintaining journalistic ethics and professional standards, transmitting truthful, objective, complete, and fair information. In this way, we can together forge a smart future for innovation and media development.

Forum Mission

We believe that this edition of the Forum will contribute to further consolidating consensus among countries of the Global South, deepening practical cooperation in areas such as personnel capacity building, joint reporting, and the application of artificial intelligence, uniting voices to amplify the "sound of the South," demonstrate the "responsibility of the South," and make the Global South a stable force in maintaining peace, a central force in promoting open development, a constructive force in global governance, and a driving force in the exchange of civilizations.

This Forum was jointly organized by the Xinhua News Agency, the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee, and the Yunnan Provincial People's Government.