At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.
The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists.
Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.
Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism

Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said.
“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”
Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources.
“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration.
Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.
Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age

Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates.
He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.
“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.
“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”
New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration, Support for Journalists
Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders.
These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China.
With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region.
For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.