3rd Shusha Global Media Forum Opens with Focus on AI-Era Media Resilience and Information Security

Shusha, The Gulf Observer: The opening ceremony of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI”, took place on July 20 in the historic city of Shusha, widely regarded as the cultural cradle of Azerbaijan.

The event commenced with the screening of a video presentation introducing the forum’s goals and participants. In his opening remarks, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, emphasized the significance of hosting the forum in Shusha — a city steeped in cultural, intellectual, and historical importance.

“Shusha is not just a location; it is the historical memory and source of inspiration for the Azerbaijani people. It has given birth to prominent writers and thinkers who have contributed profoundly to the nation’s cultural and scientific heritage,” Hajiyev said.

He stressed that the convening of the forum in a post-conflict Shusha — a city that has witnessed war and is now in a phase of reconstruction — reflects the resilience of the region and its symbolic power in shaping forward-looking dialogue. He noted that the forum provides a unique opportunity for international media figures to directly engage with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and gain first-hand insights into regional developments.

Hajiyev also marked the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani journalism, recalling the legacy of Akinchi, the first Azerbaijani-language newspaper founded by Hasan bey Zardabi. He lauded the publication’s focus on enlightenment, evolution, and social progress, despite the strict censorship of the era.

The first panel discussion of the forum, titled “Innovative Approaches: Media Literacy in the Digital Age,” was moderated by Andrea Sanke, host of TRT World’s The Newsmakers.

Fernando Soares, Executive Director of Euronews in Baku, emphasized that understanding the sources and intentions behind information dissemination is crucial in today’s digital landscape, characterized by disinformation and information warfare. “The media is not just about conveying news — it is the guardian of truth,” he asserted.

Alexandru Ion Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), described the evolving information environment as complex and multifaceted. He emphasized the value of partnerships, especially with agencies like AZERTAC and TREND, praising their adherence to accuracy, official sources, and professional journalistic standards.

Oubai Shahbandar, correspondent for AnewZ TV, highlighted the dual nature of modern media, where anyone can act as a journalist via social media. While this democratizes access, he said, it also elevates the responsibility of professional journalists to adhere to ethical standards and objectivity.

Aina Zadabek, Chairperson of the Management Board of Kazakhstan’s Qazcontent JSC, shared Kazakhstan’s AI development plans, noting the establishment of a supercomputer and a national commitment to train over one million citizens in AI by 2029. She stressed that responsible use of AI in journalism could significantly advance media innovation.

The forum, which runs from July 19 to 21, brings together approximately 140 international delegates from 52 countries, including representatives of over 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, and nearly 80 media outlets. Azerbaijani media professionals, government officials, and global experts are also participating.

Throughout the forum, a series of panel sessions will explore critical topics such as “Media Literacy as the Guarantee of Information Security” and “How Social Media Evolution Affects Public Trust: Embracing Media Literacy.”

In addition to the discussions, participants will visit key locations in Azerbaijan, including the Aghdam district and the city of Lachin, further immersing themselves in the realities and reconstruction efforts of the region.