Opening of the ASEAN Information Ministers Meeting in Da Nang

On the morning of September 22, the 16th ASEAN Ministers on Information (AMRI) officially opened in Da Nang City.

Opening of the ASEAN Information Ministers Meeting in Da Nang. Photo: Thuy Trang

Vietnam chose the theme: “Media: From information to knowledge for a resilient and adaptive ASEAN” as the theme throughout the entire agenda. The theme highlights the role and mission of the media sector in the new period; making information the driving force of development, not only providing information but also promoting the transformation from information to knowledge.

Attending and delivering the opening speech, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan commented: The world is in a period of great change, information is resonated by technology and the Internet, causing the speed of dissemination and the level of influence to take place globally, affecting both positively and negatively.

VicePresident Vo Thi Anh Xuan delivered the opening speech at the conference. Photo: Thuy Trang

Therefore, cooperation to promote timely and accurate access to information based on digital capabilities; turn information into knowledge to support businesses; improve people's livelihoods and lives; and minimize the impact of negative information is an urgent need today, at the national, regional and international levels, including ASEAN.

The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Information is an important forum for member countries and other countries to dialogue, exchange and identify priorities and directions for cooperation in the coming time, joining hands to successfully implement the United Nations Millennium Goals and the priorities of the ASEAN Community.

The Vice President expressed his belief that the ministers and delegates will share and make valuable recommendations to the ASEAN Summit; agree on specific action programs to continue affirming and further promoting the important role of the information sector in the ASEAN development process; turning information into knowledge for the people, as the theme of this year's conference is "Communication from information to knowledge for a resilient and adaptive ASEAN".

To do that, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan proposed: "The conference should focus on discussing a number of solutions to promote digital transformation; improve internet access and digital skills for people; enhance the promotion of the image of ASEAN and its member countries; promote official and positive information; handle fake news; pay attention to rural, remote and isolated areas and facilities to serve the people, ensuring that knowledge is widely spread and no one is left behind."

Attending and speaking at the conference, Mr. Ekkaphab Phanthavong - Deputy Secretary General in charge of ASEAN Social and Cultural Pillar also emphasized: "The field of information and communication plays an important and continuous role in promoting the vision of the ASEAN community. The effective discussions of SOMRI and the discussions of the ministers with the theme "Communication from information to knowledge for a resilient and adaptive ASEAN" will create more momentum for regional cooperation and strategic directions towards sustainable and comprehensive social development".

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