Johannesburg: Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasized the importance of the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network as the central focus of member states’ collective resolve. He highlighted the necessity for the partnership to foster capacity building and advocacy within media organizations of the member states.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ali made these remarks while speaking on the topic “Amplifying Global South Voices through Partnership Networks” at the Global South China-Africa Forward Closed Door Roundtable in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ali pointed out that, despite comprising 80 percent of the global population, the perspectives of the Global South-encompassing Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific-are often overlooked in global governance.
Ali stressed the need for the Global South to harness its Joint Communication Partnership Network to craft narratives that do not require external validation. He noted a shift in journalism within the Global South, moving away from narratives shaped by historical forces of occupation to those reflecting indigenous perspectives.
He stated that various journalism genres have become essential tools for deconstructing western narratives, offering new opportunities for storytelling that resonate with the region. Ali emphasized the importance of telling stories authentically to contribute to a more equitable world.
Furthermore, Ali proposed initiatives such as a Global South Media and Communication Fellowship to enhance communication skills and a Communication Mentorship Exchange Programme to facilitate peer learning among member organizations. He also called for a unified digital platform to centralize and amplify communications across the Global South, including a multilingual website and social media network.
In closing, Ali advocated for an annual communication campaign to showcase Global South leadership and innovation. He expressed confidence that by persistently advancing the Global South’s narrative, the region could contribute to a more just and equitable world.