Opinion Piece By Melissa Hollow - Media Manager BRICS AFRICA CHANNEL

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The city of Kunming, nestled in the heart of Yunnan Province, became the stage for a significant gathering of expert creative minds during the recent Seminar on Short Video Creation and Communication for Developing Countries.

Within the framework of the BRICS declaration, the Seminar on Short Video Creation and Communication in Kunming stands as a vivid embodiment of the group’s commitment to deepening people-to-people connections and fostering mutual exchange among member states and partners. This initiative reflects the BRICS+ emphasis on cultural dialogue, educational collaboration, and the sharing of technological expertise as vital components of collective progress.

The seminar not only facilitated the transfer of practical media skills but also encouraged the co-creation of narratives that celebrate diversity and common aspirations. Such efforts underscore the spirit of solidarity and understanding enshrined in the BRICS vision for a more interconnected, inclusive world.

China’s pivotal role in advancing such multilateral collaboration was made abundantly clear through its well-orchestrated programme, which brought together participants from a wide range of developing nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Panama, Indonesia, Micronesia, Cambodia, Tanzania, Kenya, Barbados, and South Africa.

China’s Commitment to BRICS+ Collaboration

China’s sustained commitment to fostering closer ties within the BRICS+ community manifests in initiatives such as this seminar. The nation’s leadership in the digital media arena and its willingness to share knowledge resources with the Global South affirms its strategic vision for inclusive development. By hosting this event, China demonstrated how technological advancement can be harmonized with cultural understanding to create new pathways for social mobility and international partnerships.

The multifaceted programme offered a comprehensive platform for participating countries to learn, network, and innovate. Through open dialogue and practical engagement, the seminar provided attendees with the tools to leverage short video content as a means of communication, economic participation, and cultural preservation.

 A Curriculum Designed for the Modern Era

The seminar’s structure was as impressive as its ambition. Eleven expertly curated lectures formed the core of the academic programme, each one addressing a current oremerging trend in digital media:

·      Conditions of China & Yunnan Province

·      Rise of Short Videos and UGC Globally

·      AI Reshapes Short Video Creative Production: Efficient Creation from Scratch

·      Research on the Innovative Mechanism of Typical Media Publicity of Rural Revitalization in China

·      Video Content Planning and Production Empowers Social Development

·      Media Literacy

·      Short Video Account Positioning and Management

·      Short Video Communication Mode of National Light and Shadow Memories: From Theory to Shooting Practice

·      Digital Media Content Generation in the AI Era: Reshaping the Future of Content Creation

Particularly noteworthy was the focus on artificial intelligence. Rather than positioning it as a replacement for human creativity, the seminar elucidated how these tools can augment and simplify the creative process. Participants were introduced to cutting-edge AI platforms and resources that have the potential to democratize content creation, allowing individuals from all walks of life to tell their stories, market products, and engage in e-commerce. The message was clear: technology should empower, not displace, human ingenuity.

Furthermore, the sessions on rural revitalization and social development showcased China’s own experience in leveraging digital tools for social transformation. The insights provided here offered blueprints for other developing nations aspiring to use communication technologies as instruments of poverty alleviation and community development.

Experiential Learning: Site and Cultural Visits

In addition to the academic component, the seminar incorporated site visits to eight leading institutions that exemplify the fusion of tradition and innovation:

·      Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia

·      FantaWild Holdings, renowned for the popular animation “Boonie Bears”

·      Shenzen Daily

·      Shenzen Dafeng Media

·      Qichen Technology Co Ltd, the world’s largestcashmere wholesaler

·      Yunnan Media Group

·      Video Department of Yunnan.CN

These visits were meticulously planned to offer participants first-hand experience of China’s media landscape and technological infrastructure. Of note was the excursion to Yunnan Media Group, where attendees viewed the first voice recorder ever produced by Thomas Edison—a historical artefact symbolizing the enduring power of storytelling and media preservation. Visits to Shenzen Daily and FantaWild Holdings illustrated the evolution of content creation from traditional forms to contemporary animation and multimedia production.

Equally significant were the cultural excursions, which included a cruise in the Greater Bay Area to admire the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge—an engineering marvel recognized as one of the modern wonders of the world. This bridge stands as a metaphor for connection, not only between cities but also between diverse cultures and peoples. The seminar also included an immersive experience at the Shenzen Xinbaima Clothing Wholesale Market, offering insights into local commerce and the intricacies of pricing and negotiation. Perhaps most memorable was the visit to the Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Village Scenic Area, with particular emphasis on the Yi tribe, whose vibrant traditions and artistic heritage left a profound impact.

The Value of International Networks

One of the seminar’s greatest achievements was its success in fostering durable relationships and professional networks among delegates. The diversity of participating countries brought a wealth of perspectives, and the organizers were exemplary in their accommodation of different cultural backgrounds. From Egypt to South Africa, from Panama to Tanzania, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable.

Chinese Hospitality and Cross-Cultural Understanding

Throughout the seminar, the hospitality of the local organizers and the broader Yunnan community was evident. Despite language barriers, participants experienced genuine warmth, kindness, and a willingness to connect. These acts of hospitality transcend mere politeness; they are the foundation upon which durable international friendships are built.

A Template for Global Progress

The Seminar on Short Video Creation and Communication for Developing Countries stands as a model for future BRICS+ initiatives. By combining technical instruction, cultural immersion, and international fellowship, the event equipped participants with both the inspiration and the practical skills to enact positive change. Most importantly, it affirmed the value of collaboration and mutual respect in an increasingly interconnected world.

For those who attended, the lessons learned, and the networks established in Kunming will resonate long after the event’s conclusion.

Looking back, I believe the Seminar on Short Video Creation and Communication for Developing Countries is more than a blueprint for BRICS+ cooperation—it’s a living testament to what happens when individuals come together with open minds and curious spirits. If you ask me, the real takeaway isn’t just an expanded toolkit or a string of new professional contacts, but a reaffirmation of something much deeper: that collaboration across cultures transforms us.

It’s easy to talk about interconnectedness as a buzzword but watching delegates from Panama and Tanzania swap ideas over morning tea, or seeing genuine friendships spark despite language barriers, reminds me that these connections are, in fact, the substance of progress. Technical skills matter, yes—but they’re most powerful when wielded in the service of understanding and respect.

In my opinion, this seminar didn’t just equip us for the challenges of storytelling in the digital age.

It provided a model for global progress based on empathy, curiosity, and recognising that our differences are our valuable strengths.

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