Shusha Forum: Media leaders warn on fake news and role of journalists in AI era PHOTO / UPDATED

The second day of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI,” began on July 20 in the cultural cradle of Azerbaijan, the city of Shusha.

The event began with a video presentation about the Forum. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasised the symbolic significance of hosting the forum in Shusha — a city deeply rooted in Azerbaijani culture and history, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Shusha is the historical memory and source of inspiration for the Azerbaijani people. Many of our nation’s writers, thinkers, and publishers were born in this sacred city,” Hajiyev said, adding that the forum brings together media representatives and thought leaders from across the globe to exchange innovative ideas in a post-conflict setting.

“Shusha was once the target of unprecedented fake news and disinformation. In the early 1990s, just a few kilometers from here, the Khojaly genocide was committed — yet very few media outlets reported on this tragedy,” he noted.

Hajiyev also highlighted the importance of direct communication with President Ilham Aliyev through the Forum, stating that it provides participants with firsthand insights into regional developments. Delegates are also visiting key cities such as Aghdam, Khankendi, and Lachin.

This year’s Forum coincides with the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani media, marked since Hasan bey Zardabi published the country’s first newspaper, Akinchi. “Despite strict censorship at the time, Akinchi carried articles about societal development and enlightenment. Today, we continue that legacy by promoting truth and supporting a healthy society through the media,” Hajiyev said.

During a panel moderated by Andrea Sanke, host of TRT World’s The Newsmakers, the discussion centered on “Innovative Approaches: Media Literacy in the Digital Age.”

Fernando Soares, Chief Operating Officer of Euronews and CEO of Euronews Baku, underscored the importance of understanding the origins and intentions behind information. “It’s vital to educate the younger generation in particular. Social media is often their main source of information, but it’s also a major platform for misinformation. Critical thinking is key,” he said.

Alejandro Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies, highlighted the complexity of today’s information ecosystem. “We must continuously learn from one another. There is no place for the mindset of ‘I know everything.’ Accurate and reliable news is a shared value,” he stated. He praised Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC and private agency TREND for their professionalism and reliability, which he called essential for information security.

Ubay Shahbandar, correspondent for AnewZ, remarked that while social media has democratized information, it also increases the responsibility of professional journalists. “Everyone is now part of the information process. We must ask: where does the information come from? Who is spreading it? What is their goal? Answering these questions is key to our information security,” he noted.

Aina Zhadabek, Chairperson of KazContent JSC, emphasized the new challenges brought by artificial intelligence and digitalization. “Today we can still distinguish between human-made and AI-generated content, but that gap is narrowing. Journalists must enhance their critical thinking and adapt to this new reality,” she said.

She noted that Kazakhstan has adopted a national AI development concept through 2029 and is building a supercomputer to support various sectors. “More than one million people will be trained in AI. If journalists embrace AI, they will become more media literate and adaptive,” Zhadabek concluded.

The panel session continued with broader discussions on the future of media.

10:16 

The second day of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum has commenced in the city of Shusha, continuing under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI.”

The forum began on July 19 and will run through July 21, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The event has brought together around 140 international guests from 52 countries, including representatives of more than 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and various other relevant institutions.

Among the participants are both foreign media representatives and Azerbaijani journalists, experts, and government officials.

As part of the forum’s agenda, attendees are taking part in familiarization visits to Aghdam District and the city of Lachin, where extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts are in progress.

Notably, on July 19, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in the city of Khankendi.

By Khagan Isayev