3rd Shusha Global Media Forum kicks off, with a spotlight on AI

The opening ceremony of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI” was held on July 20.

The Forum began with the screening of a video about the event.

In his opening remarks, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said that hosting the Shusha Global Media Forum in Shusha - the cradle of Azerbaijani culture, is not a coincidence. “Shusha is the historical memory and source of inspiration for the Azerbaijani people. Shusha is the birthplace of countless writers and intellectual figures who have made significant contributions to Azerbaijan’s cultural and scientific heritage,” he noted.

Noting that media representatives and intellectual figures from different countries have been invited to the Forum, the Assistant to the President mentioned that innovative ideas and diverse perspectives are taking shape here. “It is significant that this forum is being convened in the post-conflict period, in a city that once scarred by war, but is now undergoing a process of reconstruction,” he underlined.

Hikmet Hajiyev emphasized that the Forum provides a direct platform for engagement with President Ilham Aliyev, offering participants insight into the region’s ongoing developments.

Highlighting that the Azerbaijani media is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Presidential Assistant underlined that since the publication of the first Azerbaijani newspaper, “Akinchi,” by Hasan bey Zardabi, the Azerbaijani national press has undergone a remarkable path of development. “Despite the strict censorship of the time, “Akinchi” addressed topics such as evolution, enlightenment, and social progress. The newspaper laid a vital foundation for the emergence of new ideas and the spread of enlightenment,” Hajiyev added.

The panel discussion, moderated by Andrea Sanke, host of TRT World's The Newsmakers program, focused on the topic "Innovative Approaches: Media Literacy in the Digital Age."

Fernando Soares, Executive Director of Euronews TV Channel in Baku, underlined that today, is has become essential for every citizen to understand where information comes from, why it’s disseminated, and how it influences public opinion.

Noting that the realities we face today, that is, information wars, disinformation campaigns and digital manipulation should be a wake-up call for everyone, Fernando Soares emphasized that in these circumstances, the media is not just about presenting news, but also a guardian of the truth.

Alexandru Ion Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), said that today, the information landscape has evolved into a broader, multifaceted, and complex system.

“As media organizations, we are constantly building partnerships and maintaining exchange of information. One of our key partners is the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC). Our relationship with AZERTAC is multifaceted and based on mutual support,” he noted.

EANA Secretary General described media cooperation as essential, emphasizing that these partnerships must continue as reliable and accurate news is truly valuable.

"AZERTAC, as Azerbaijan’s State News Agency, provides official, verified and accurate information. TREND, meanwhile, is a private news agency that holds a special place in the country's media landscape. We know that the news published by these agencies is based on accuracy, official sources and core principles of professional journalism, which is a guarantee of information security for us. We must not forget that media is the herald of truth, whose role is not only to report facts, but to encourage people to think, analyze and draw their own conclusions. People should form their own opinions and make decisions based on the information they receive," Alexandru Giboi emphasized.

Oubai Shahbandar, AnewZ TV channel correspondent, stated that anyone – whether it is a social media user or a blogger - can present themselves as a critic or even an investigative journalist in today's media landscape. “Whereas it seems positive in terms of the democratization of media, it also increases our responsibility as professional journalists.

Here, the ethical principles, objectivity, and responsible approach of the media and journalism play a vital role. Only in this case can we earn the trust of society and stand against information chaos,” he added.

Aina Zadabek Chairperson of the Management Board of "Qazcontent" JSC, noted that a development concept has been adopted in Kazakhstan since 2024 and that a supercomputer has been established in the country that will help boost various sectors in the country by 2029. "Currently, a Development Center is being created in Kazakhstan and the country is committed to train more than 1 million people in artificial intelligence. If journalists use artificial intelligence properly, this will have a significant impact on the media development," she added.

The panel continued with live discussions.

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The forum will feature panel discussions on “Innovative Approaches: Media Literacy in the Digital Age,” “Media Literacy as the Guarantee of Information Security,” “How Social Media Evolution Affects Public Trust: Embracing Media Literacy” and other topics.

The forum, running from July 19 to July 21, brings together up to 140 international delegates from 52 countries, representing over 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and other entities relevant to the media landscape. Alongside foreign media representatives, the forum is also attended by representatives of Azerbaijani media, experts, and officials.

Following the opening ceremony, the event will continue with panel sessions.

The forum participants are also scheduled to visit Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district and Lachin city.