IOL CEO Calls for Balanced Global Representation of Africa
Viasen Soobramoney urges media to highlight African innovation over conflict-focused narratives.
1Redefining African Narratives
IOL CEO Viasen Soobramoney addressed the 2026 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road in Fuzhou, China. He argued that Africa’s global image should focus on its innovation, achievements, and contributions to humanity. He emphasized that current media coverage often relies on stereotypes of conflict rather than showcasing the continent's true potential.
2Media Responsibility in Digital Age
Digital platforms have accelerated information flow but also intensified misinformation and deepened global divisions. Soobramoney stated that media outlets must provide context and encourage informed debate to bridge these gaps. He stressed that journalists have a profound responsibility to help audiences understand the complex forces currently shaping their interconnected world.
3Belt and Road Media Network
The forum, hosted by the People’s Daily and the Fujian provincial government, gathered over 200 delegates from 100 countries. The Belt and Road News Network council, comprising 42 media organizations from 27 nations, reached a consensus on promoting high-quality development, including reporting on poverty reduction, food security, and the digital economy.
4Practical Cooperation Mechanisms
To foster better understanding, Soobramoney proposed concrete initiatives such as journalist exchanges, joint reporting projects, and content-sharing partnerships. He highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to facilitate these collaborations. These efforts aim to build bridges where distance and prejudice have historically created significant barriers between different nations.
5Human-Centric Journalism Focus
Media leaders at the forum agreed that journalism should prioritize human-centered stories. By focusing on entrepreneurs, students, scientists, and farmers, media outlets can highlight the people behind international partnerships. This approach aims to inspire audiences and foster deeper cultural exchanges, ensuring that ordinary people remain at the center of reporting.
6Global South Aspirations
Soobramoney defined the Global South as a collective of nations determined to shape their own destinies. He argued that international institutions must reflect the interests of all humanity, not just a few. Developing countries seek meaningful participation in the global economy, demanding a fairer order founded on mutual respect and sovereign equality.
7China-Africa Partnership Potential
The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a platform for advancing infrastructure, industrialization, and digital connectivity across Africa. Soobramoney noted that China’s engagement offers opportunities for technology transfer and sustainable investment. He emphasized that these partnerships must be mutually beneficial, practical, and designed to leave no nation behind in development.
8Measuring Future Success
The ultimate measure of media and international cooperation will be the tangible impact on the lives of ordinary people. Soobramoney concluded that success depends on turning shared aspirations for peace and prosperity into common action. Strengthening these ties requires enduring partnerships that expand the diversity of voices in global public discourse.
Original article: IOL News — IOL CEO Calls for Balanced Global Representation of Africa