FAKE news and disinformation are severely undermining peace, stability, progress, and development in countries, which is why Myanmar, along with other nations, has been diligently working to counteract these issues by promoting accurate information, Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn said at the BRICS Media Summit held in Moscow, Russia, on 14 September.
A
delegation led by Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn, and Myanmar Ambassador to
the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn attended the summit held at the World
Trade Centre on 14 and 15 September.
Speaking
on the occasion, the Union minister alluded to the development of social media
and advanced information technology, which has led to certain worrisome
situations for the international community, as not only journalists but also
ordinary people are involved in reporting in the age of new media, paving the
way for the increased distribution of fake news, disinformation, and biased
news.
“The
media have been vested with such enormous power that it can impact the
political, economic, and social aspects of nations around the world. Media
penetration can strengthen friendly ties among nations, but, in contrast, fake
news and disinformation can greatly endanger stability and create unrest,” the
Union minister said.
He
also cautioned about the profound effect of media and communication on daily
life, as they can shape people’s opinions, attitudes, and beliefs about the
world around them, while becoming an integral part of daily life alongside
basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
The
Union minister said that the BRICS Media Summit has convened for the seventh
time. He noted that the global power structure is shifting from unipolarity to
multipolarity, with new regional powers emerging in international politics. The
rise of inter-regional dialogues and advances in new media technology are
enabling a constantly evolving and rapidly expanding network.
He
also urged for increased efforts in sharing positive news and information to
foster international friendship and understanding. The Union minister
emphasized that multifaceted international cooperation and collective action
are essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, air
pollution, and deforestation. He called for unity across continents and regions
through dialogue and inclusive consultations to achieve a unified global voice.
“Myanmar
welcomes and supports the emergence of BRICS internet web page “Innovation
Diary” which is the single corridor where the developing countries make their
voices heard. I strongly believe that the BRICS Media Summit could open the
door for positive developments as the world nations can see and hear the true
situations of developing countries,” the Union minister said.
Although
Myanmar is not a BRICS member state, the country is actively cooperating in
media development with many nations.
The
heads of leading media structures of the BRICS countries and media outlets from
45 countries attended to the summit which focused on two key themes: “The Role
of the BRICS Media Community in Strengthening Stability and Cooperation in a
Multipolar World” and “BRICS Media: Technological Transformation on the Path to
a New World”. On 15 September, the summit released the declaration of the BRICS
Media Summit.
The
Union Minister met with major Russian media outlets, including Izvestia TV
Channel, Channel 1 TV, TASS TV and newspaper, Russia Today, Svobodnaya TV, and
China’s CGTN news agency. He answered questions regarding Russia-Myanmar
friendship, Russia-Myanmar media cooperation, Myanmar’s current situation, and
the important role of the BRICS group.
On
the evening of 15 September, the Union Minister attended a Russian folk art
performance at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia to commemorate the
120th anniversary of the Russian news agency TASS, and later enjoyed dinner at
the Metropol Hotel with the delegates to the BRICS Media Summit.
MNA/TH
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
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