CARACAS – More than 200 journalists, communicators, researchers and influencers from nearly 50 countries were convened in Caracas for the “Voices of the New World” forum at the groundbreaking gathering held July 30-31. Participants pledged to form a global alliance aimed at challenging the domination of Western narratives in international media.
The event, held under the auspices of Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sought to establish a new international information order based on “truth, cultural sovereignty and solidarity,” particularly among countries in the global southern part. As the organist stated, the initiative aims to offset what the representatives called “a hegemonic tale imposed by Western media conglomerates.”
The central message of the forum was clear. In the face of the struggles of the Global South and the intensifying global media war that distorts reality, unity is essential. “In the face of a media blockade, one of the most brutal weapons of multidimensional war with the people of the Global South, unity will become our trench,” the organizers emphasized.
In the final declaration, the new alliance was described as a permanent space of action where communicators can work together to protect information sovereignty, promote cultural diversity, and clarify the vision of a multipolar world. The representative also confirmed that the importance of truth is a fundamental right, living it, conveying it, and knowing it.
The forum covered a wide range of topics, ranging from media manipulation and disinformation to digital sovereignty and the role of alternative platforms. The panel and microworkshop addressed freedom of speech, conflict reporting, algorithm bias, and the strategic use of digital networks.
In his opening remarks, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gill called for a stronger and louder voice to counter the rising tide of “media imperialism.” “Our voices need to be stronger and stronger,” he said. “We must form an alliance between platforms to let the truth be heard in the world.”
Prominent Venezuelan communicator and MP Gustavo Villapol warned of the psychological implications of algorithm-driven platforms. Russian media specialist Dahlia Yurieva reflected these concerns and urged communicators to study and adapt the algorithmic landscape. She proposed to build a new digital platform with democratic use policies to escape the restrictions imposed by dominant technical capabilities.
Brazilian political scientist Fernando Horta called for technology independence in the global South, stressing that without the unique social technology, the region would remain vulnerable to manipulation. Ayanda Hollow of South Africa similarly emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, saying that true media independence requires local ownership of platforms and content distribution.
Another South African representative, Nonkurrecopatricia Mantra, proposed a new era of colonial storiesless journalism. She criticized the global media’s tendency to misrepresent countries like South Africa and give back to images of poverty and instability. She sought a collaborative media network that went beyond language barriers and was rooted in local realities.
At the recorded address, Jiang Yang, director of the Latin American Bureau of China’s Xinhua News Agency, described the fight against disinformation as a shared struggle. “Unity is a fundamental tool to face current challenges,” he emphasized.
The alliance serves as a content sharing network, a space for collaborative training, and a mechanism to protect journalists in the wake of attack. It also aims to stand up against censorship and algorithmic control by promoting “sovereign digital tools” that can unlock communication.
Additionally, the representatives have repeatedly reaffirmed the importance of media cooperation in BRICS countries and beyond. A special focus was given to strengthening collaborations between Latin America, Africa and Asia, disrupt dominant Western stories, and creating a platform that could support locally fixed stories.
Iranian journalists praised the exemplary work
As part of the event, Iranian TV anchor and journalist Sahar Emami was recognized as a special guest and recognized as an exemplary journalist. Her presence at the event highlighted both the importance of solidarity among the global tropical nations and Iran’s influential role in shaping the dominant Western narrative of the unified media front.
In her remarks, Emami emphasized the urgent need for the emergence of a unified global voice, saying that it is necessary to protect the truth and stand up for justice. “Only through unity and a common voice,” she pointed out, “can take a blow to the structure of colonialism.” Emami also answered questions from several journalists in attendance.
Emami attracted worldwide attention when Israeli airstrikes continued live broadcasts shortly after targeting Iran’s state broadcast headquarters. Her solid attitude has made her a symbol of resistance to Iran and its allies, earning her widespread recognition and respect.
Bold attitude towards Palestine and global injustice
The forum concluded with a strong message of solidarity on the oppressed, especially the Palestinian cause. Venezuelan National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez has accused him of calling it genocide in Gaza. “The worst crimes committed by humanity in the 21st century were Gaza extinction and massacre,” declared Rodriguez.
He further accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a crime against humanity, calling him “sarcasm” and “genosidea (committing the act of genocide).” Rodriguez also reiterates Venezuela’s stance on “North American imperialism,” calling it a serious threat to world peace.
The final declaration states, “To respect and defend truth, freedom of expression, and the sovereignty and independent development of our people is our duty to be dedicated to communications between journalism and integrity.”
Cultural celebrations and local engagement
Beyond intellectual debate, the forum featured cultural events and local outreach. Representatives visited productive and tourist destinations in the state of Aragua, Venezuela. An iconic highlight was the gala concert “The Birth of a World” held at the historic Municipal Theatre in Caracas. The performance, celebrating the spiritual and rebellious roots of “Our America,” featured dancers and musicians from Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Special guests include Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System and Vienna Seybaldez, director of Cuba’s National Ballet.
Hundreds of people in person participated, effectively the voices of the New World Forum laid the foundation for a fresh global media movement seeking equity, truth, and the right for all countries to tell their stories.
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