The Third International Democracy Forum concluded in Beijing on Wednesday. Officials and experts discussed how democracy should fit the needs of the modern digital age and the strengthening of the Global South. Our reporter Cen Ziyuan has the latest.

CEN ZIYUAN Beijing "Chinese President Xi Jinping once said the development of social democracy means having systematic and institutional guarantees allowing people to run the country. China's model of democracy has provided another effective alternative in the multi-polar world. The Third International Forum on Democracy attempts to find out how, through diverse ways, democracy can be achieved."

Wednesday's forum attracted nearly 300 officials and experts from more than 70 countries and regions.

This is the third International Forum on Democracy that's being held in Beijing.

The hosts say that Chinese-style democracy always revolves around solving the urgent and challenging issues of its people.

Foreign officials and experts added that democracy should not be the singular choice and it often does not fit the needs of developing the Global South.

Officials say major powers have been holding onto the rights to define democracy.

Experts say these challenges should not become a political excuse to stop countries from achieving their pursuit of democracy.

They say the transformation of new productivity should break the norm in democratic discussions, allowing countries to find the creative path to pursue democracy.

The forum wrapped up with the release of a Global Survey Report on China's Democratic Practice and Modernization Development 2023.

The Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies found that common values of humanity continue to enhance the appeal of democracy.

Officials and experts expressed hope that the forum will serve as a platform allowing more voices to be heard, so that they can pursue democracy that fits their development needs.

Cen Ziyuan, CGTN, Beijing.