The 2026 China International Intelligent Communication Forum opened in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Nov 9, bringing together representatives from government, media and academia as well as international organizations, to explore the latest developments in intelligent communication and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of global media.
Jointly hosted by China Media Group and the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, this year's forum is themed "New Ecosystem, New Opportunities, New Future".
Yu Junsheng, vice-president of CMG, said the forum had become an important platform for international cultural exchange and media innovation. Yu called for closer integration of technology, art and content to ensure AI serves the public good.
Xu Ying, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, highlighted AI's growing influence on global media. Xu said Jiangsu would use the forum to promote digital cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Oleg Kopylov, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, underscored the need for stronger international collaboration on AI development and governance, while Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chairman of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, emphasized the importance of mutual respect, cultural diversity and other shared values in advancing intelligent communication.
Cai Jianfeng, mayor of Wuxi, said the city would further develop its AI industry, produce high-quality international communication content and expand its global reach, turning the forum's outcomes into tangible cooperation projects.
Key initiatives and projects unveiled
A major outcome of the forum was the release of the Wuxi Initiative of the China International Intelligent Communication Forum. The initiative calls for the responsible use of technology, stronger international partnerships and greater dialogue among civilizations to foster an open, inclusive and collaborative ecosystem for intelligent communication.
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences also released the China Cities' International Intelligent Communication Capability Development Report 2026, examining their international branding efforts and global influence.
The forum also saw the launch of several cultural and media projects. The micro-series When AI Comes Home explores how digital technologies are shaping everyday life, while the travel program Global Youth Talk follows young people from different countries as they explore Wuxi. The documentary Good Taste • Taihu π presents the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the Jiangnan region.
Experts explore the future of intelligent communication
The keynote session brought together experts and industry leaders from science, technology, media and the creative industries, including Nobel laureate Michael Levitt, Discovery Channel Greater China Vice-President Vikram Channa and Digital Domain founder Scott Ross. Discussions covered AI-driven changes in the media landscape, technological innovation, industrial development and international collaboration.
The forum also featured the 2026 Forum on the International Communication of Digital Culture and the AIGC Digital Intelligence Industry Forum, alongside a series of events including an industry dialogue on digital culture, the Wuxi Dialogue on International Communication, a film and music evening, and an international media tour of the city.
