Good morning, everyone. It’s an honor to be here today to discuss a topic of profound importance: building a new communication order. For too long, the global narrative has been shaped by a limited set of voices and perspectives. The rise of new powers, the increasing interconnectedness of our world, and the urgent need to address shared global challenges demand a fundamental reevaluation of how information flows, how narratives are constructed, and whose voices are amplified.
My experiences, both as President of Brazil and now as President of the New Development Bank, have given me a unique vantage point from which to observe this evolving landscape. We are witnessing a historic shift, moving away from a unipolar world towards one that is increasingly multipolar and interdependent. This shift isn’t just about economic might or geopolitical influence; it’s also about the power of ideas, the battle against misinformation, and the imperative to foster genuine understanding across cultures and nations.
The Imperative for a Balanced Narrative
For decades, the global communication order has largely reflected the power dynamics of the post-World War II era. This has often led to a skewed understanding of global events, development challenges, and the diverse realities of the Global South. We have seen how dominant narratives can marginalize alternative perspectives, perpetuate stereotypes, and even hinder effective collaboration on critical issues like climate change, poverty, and global health.
Building a new communication order is not about censorship or replacing one form of control with another. Instead, it’s about fostering pluralism, diversity, and equity in the information space. It’s about ensuring that the voices of emerging economies, developing nations, and marginalized communities are not just heard, but are given the prominence and respect they deserve. This means challenging the existing asymmetries in media ownership, technology, and access to information.
Pillars of a New Communication Order
So, what would a new communication order look like? I believe it must be built upon several foundational pillars:
- Democratization of Information: This involves breaking down barriers to information access and ensuring that diverse sources and perspectives are readily available to people worldwide. It means investing in independent media, supporting local journalism, and promoting digital literacy to empower citizens to critically assess information.
- Technological Sovereignty and Ethical AI: The rapid advancement of digital technologies presents both immense opportunities and significant risks. We must ensure that these technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are developed and governed ethically, respecting privacy, preventing bias, and promoting transparency. Furthermore, nations must work towards greater technological sovereignty, reducing over-reliance on a few dominant tech giants and fostering innovation that serves diverse national interests.
- Strengthening Multilateral Platforms: Institutions like the United Nations, and indeed, organizations like the New Development Bank, play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and collaboration. We must utilize these platforms more effectively to facilitate open communication, share best practices, and collectively address the challenges of misinformation and disinformation that threaten our democracies and social cohesion.
- Promoting Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding: Communication is not just about facts; it’s about narratives, values, and cultural contexts. A new order must actively promote cultural exchange and understanding, breaking down preconceived notions and fostering empathy between different societies. This includes supporting diverse forms of artistic expression, educational programs, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Role of the New Development Bank
As President of the New Development Bank, I see our role in this new communication order as crucial. We are not just a financial institution; we are a platform for South-South cooperation and a voice for sustainable development. By financing vital infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable practices in our member countries, we are contributing to a narrative of progress, resilience, and self-determination. We are helping to build the physical and digital infrastructure that underpins a more equitable flow of information and ideas.
Through our projects, we are empowering communities, fostering economic independence, and demonstrating that sustainable development is achievable without succumbing to outdated models. Our work directly challenges the notion that development must follow a prescribed path, instead championing diverse and context-specific solutions.
Conclusion: A Collective Endeavor
Building a new communication order is not a task for any single nation or institution. It is a collective endeavor that requires commitment from governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and individual citizens. It demands a willingness to challenge established norms, embrace diversity, and prioritize truth and understanding above all else.
The stakes are high. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, our ability to communicate effectively, to understand different perspectives, and to build trust across divides will determine our collective success in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. Let us work together to build a communication order that truly reflects the richness and diversity of our global society.
