A two-week international seminar on New Media Platform Operations and Management has opened in Beijing, bringing together journalists from across the world, including The Gambia.

The seminar, which began on 17 October 2025 and runs until 30 October, is organised and funded by the Research and Training Institute (RTI) in collaboration with China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).

It brings together 29 journalists from The Gambia, Jordan, Botswana, Barbados, Nigeria, Turkey, Malaysia and Panama.

The NRTA, a ministerial-level body under the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, oversees the regulation and supervision of radio, television and online audio-visual services in the country.

In his opening remarks, Mr Chang Jin, a board member of the NRTA, emphasised the crucial role of the media in promoting mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation among nations.

He also shared insights into traditional Chinese philosophies and cultural values centred on unity and collective responsibility.

“An ideal society means everything under heaven is for everybody,” Mr Chang said.

“Governance begins with the people as the foundation of the state, and prosperity should balance righteousness and benefit.”

Throughout the seminar, participants will explore a range of topics, including emerging trends in new media, content development and intellectual property creation, the metaverse and the future of media, and China’s evolving digital landscape.

The programme also includes a cultural exchange visit to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China, giving participants a first-hand experience of Chinese heritage.

Mr Chang highlighted China’s economic and technological achievements under President Xi Jinping, citing progress in areas such as space exploration, quantum technology and large-scale manufacturing.

He expressed hope that the seminar would strengthen international media collaboration and deepen understanding of China’s experience in digital communication.

Over the past two decades, RTI has organised more than 260 international media seminars, training over 7,000 professionals from 160 countries and regions.

Reports Adama Makasuba in Beijing