Vietnam attends 4th International Colloquium Patria in Havana

The Vietnamese delegation is attending the 4th International Colloquium Patria in the Cuban capital of Havana on March 17-23 together with more than 400 representatives including politicians, scholars, and media professionals from 47 countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

The Vietnamese delegation led by Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association Nguyen Duc Loi joins the event that marks the participation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and dozens of Cuban and international senior officials.

The 4th International Colloquium Patria forum gathers a large number of delegates. Photo: M.T

Themed “We are Peoples Weaving Networks”, the forum examine how digital content and platforms are used as tools for social mobilization, political engagement, and the construction of power dynamics.

Numerous activities took place at the week-long event, including the opening ceremony at Mella Square, where incense was offered in tribute to Julio Antonio Mella, commemorative photos taken at the stairs of the University of Havana, the main speeches, workshops, media project presentations at the University of Havana Conference Center.

During a workshop discussion, Nguyen Duc Loi addressed the topic: “Opposing Media Hegemony: Strategies from the Global South to Challenge Western Media Dominance”. He pointed out that Western nations often use media to manipulate global politics for their own interests, resulting in negative societal impacts such as restricted free speech, unequal access to information, and increased social divisions.

He emphasized the importance of countering media hegemony to foster a more diverse and fair information landscape. To challenge Western dominance, countries in the Global South must craft strategies that focus on raising awareness, creating diverse content, expanding media platforms, enhancing journalistic skills, and building collaborative networks.

Additionally, nations in the Global South must establish a robust, independent press and media system that accurately reflects the reality of their societies and challenges Western media dominance.

There includes exhibitions from countries in the Global South, documentary screenings, and an opportunity for delegates to explore the vibrant sights of Havana.

International journalists at the forum takes place on March 17-22. Photo: M.T

Sponsored by the Cuban Journalists’ Union, in collaboration with Casa de las Américas and the Hermanos Saíz Association, the Patria Colloquium brings together communicators, academics, politicians, activists, and citizens to discuss the opportunities and challenges of technopolitics.

This edition marks the 20th anniversary of Telesur founded by Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez and the 40th anniversary of the University of Havana’s Faculty of Communication.

Held annually since 2022 during Cuban Press Day, the event honors Patria, the newspaper founded by José Martí in 1892 to promote libertarian ideas and unite Cubans in the struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Minh Tu – Linh Pham