MoI Union Minister highlights counteraction against fake news by promoting accurate information at BRICS Media Summit
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
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