ShanghaiEye+ project launched as ‘window’ for world to understand China

ShanghaiEye+ project launched as ‘window’ for world to understand China 

By Viola Ke

Shanghai Media International Communication Center launched its ShanghaiEye+ project at a forum during the 29th Shanghai TV Festival on Tuesday.

The initiative, an upgrading of the flagship platform ShanghaiEye, is supported by media centers from 14 cities and provinces in China. 

Established by Shanghai Media Group in October last year, ShanghaiEye is designed to take the lead in shaping global communication about Chinese-style urban civilization, with a focus on Shanghai. 

"Cities serve as nodes in the global communication network. Cities like Shanghai, which is an international metropolis, have become key hub nodes in the global network," Zhang Taofu, Dean of the School of Journalism at Fudan University, said in his opening remarks. 

"As China plays an increasingly important role in global affairs, its influence continues to grow. Shanghai is a crucial window for the world to understand and observe China," Zhang added.

He noted the city had always been at the forefront of international communication practices, boasting robust resources and dynamic activity. 

Ian Phillips, Director of News and Media at the U.S. Department of Global Communications, said it was crucial in this era of disinformation, misinformation, and fake news to combat unconscious bias about global events. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross often organizes training for journalists in humanitarian and crisis reporting, said Najum Iqbal, its head of communication for East Asia region.

He said partnerships between media organizations and humanitarian bodies could be positive in shining more light on those affected by armed conflict or climate crises. 

"It is imperative to amplify less prominent voices, and demand attention for people whose suffering continues unnoticed beyond the noise of leading headlines," Iqbal said.