Experts Explore Media's Role in Fostering Empathy at Beijing Gathering
Experts engage in a discussion at a Beijing event on the role of media in fostering empathy.
TroibNews 
On Saturday, over 150 experts, leaders, and scholars gathered at Tsinghua University to explore the role of media in fostering empathy and equality worldwide.
Yang Bin, the university's deputy dean, noted that while technology is rapidly transforming our lives, it has simultaneously worsened global inequality. He emphasized that the media is crucial in addressing this issue during his remarks at the 3rd Global Development and Health Communication Forum.
Zheng Zhijie, the chief representative to China at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, remarked, "Empathy is the key for humans' survival as a social species, which is also needed for us now to shape a healthy and equal world in face of the challenges that we have never seen before."
Cui Shixin, deputy chief editor of People's Daily, highlighted the connection between empathy and knowledge, stating, "Empathy is premised on knowledge, and knowledge is disseminated through communication." He emphasized that the media serves as an effective means for promoting mutual understanding.
Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, pointed out that digital technology has become a significant component of health communication in recent years. He cautioned that failure to share accurate and scientific information could result in increased fatalities, as individuals may remain unaware of looming dangers.
Zhou Qing'an, head of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, identified three contributing factors to the challenges facing global development and health initiatives: "the lack of a shared vision, the knowledge gap, and the scarcity of communication resources."
This year's forum introduced a virtual reality experience zone, a feature not present in previous editions. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Zambia, Africa, gaining insights into the interactions between frontline health workers and community members, and observing how these efforts contribute to the global fight against polio.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Yang Bin, the university's deputy dean, noted that while technology is rapidly transforming our lives, it has simultaneously worsened global inequality. He emphasized that the media is crucial in addressing this issue during his remarks at the 3rd Global Development and Health Communication Forum.
Zheng Zhijie, the chief representative to China at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, remarked, "Empathy is the key for humans' survival as a social species, which is also needed for us now to shape a healthy and equal world in face of the challenges that we have never seen before."
Cui Shixin, deputy chief editor of People's Daily, highlighted the connection between empathy and knowledge, stating, "Empathy is premised on knowledge, and knowledge is disseminated through communication." He emphasized that the media serves as an effective means for promoting mutual understanding.
Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, pointed out that digital technology has become a significant component of health communication in recent years. He cautioned that failure to share accurate and scientific information could result in increased fatalities, as individuals may remain unaware of looming dangers.
Zhou Qing'an, head of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, identified three contributing factors to the challenges facing global development and health initiatives: "the lack of a shared vision, the knowledge gap, and the scarcity of communication resources."
This year's forum introduced a virtual reality experience zone, a feature not present in previous editions. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Zambia, Africa, gaining insights into the interactions between frontline health workers and community members, and observing how these efforts contribute to the global fight against polio.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
