The 6th World Media Summit, themed "Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation," opened in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region on October 14, 2024. I attended the summit at the invitation of Xinhua News Agency. This event provided a unique opportunity for Suriname to showcase itself on an international platform.

Cherlique Lilienthal at the 6th World Media Summit in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

My participation is of great significance for Suriname, not only because the country was represented at a global forum, which was attended by over 500 delegates from 106 countries, but also due to the potential benefits this participation offers. Strengthening international relations and exploring collaborative opportunities, particularly in the fields of media and technology, are essential for Suriname.

Xinjiang, where part of the summit took place, is a region unfamiliar to many Surinamese. The area is unique due to its rich geographical diversity. The impressive Tianshan Mountains dominate the landscape, while the Taklamakan Desert adds a fascinating contrast.

The theme of the summit was perfectly aligned with current global challenges and opportunities. During the event, there were extensive discussions about the role of AI in media, with a strong emphasis on media organizations' responsibility to use AI ethically. My participation in these discussions has given Suriname a voice in the global debate on the future of AI and its impact on the media industry.

Cherlique Lilienthal in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The summit also provided opportunities for cooperation in the field of sustainable energy. During a visit to Sinopec in Aksu, an energy giant in Xinjiang, the company’s hydrogen strategy was presented as part of its green development strategy. Representatives of Sinopec expressed their willingness to collaborate with Suriname on green energy production. This could be a significant step towards Suriname’s efforts to develop sustainable energy sources and support the transition to a greener future.

Although South America was well represented, Suriname and Barbados were the only Caribbean nations present. This highlights Suriname’s unique position within the region and on the global stage. My participation in this summit, where he established valuable contacts and gained insights, marks an important step for the future development of Suriname. It demonstrates that Suriname is not only participating but also contributing to global discussions on technology, sustainability, and media.

My participation in this summit is an investment in Suriname’s future. The insights and collaborations resulting from it will help our country position itself better in the world of tomorrow.

Cherlique Lilienthal is the spokesperson for the president of the Republic of Suriname.

Planner : Jie Wenjin

Reviewers : Hou Weili and Cheng Li

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit and Fan Zixuan