Speakers at Shusha media forum highlight press role in building trust, promoting peace

Participants at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum have stressed the importance of responsible journalism, international media cooperation and ethical reporting in promoting peace and countering polarisation.

Zhang Ling, Deputy Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), said the forum had brought together media representatives from around the world to discuss common challenges facing the industry, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

"This forum provides an opportunity to gather numerous media representatives from all over the world in one venue. I expressed my gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting such a significant event. I believe the theme of the forum is highly relevant and important. We sought to answer one question here: What role should the media play in supporting peace and building trust? Given the challenges we face today, this issue is of great importance," she said.

Zhang added that both media organisations and international institutions share a common objective.

"In my view, there is a shared mission between media and international organisations: to strengthen dialogue, build trust, and reinforce mutual understanding among people. This is extremely vital for today's world."

Latifa Akharbach, President of Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), also underscored the media's influence on public perception, warning against its misuse.

"Today, one of the greatest risks facing all countries is the involvement of media in polarisation and hate speech," she said.

Akharbach stressed the need to uphold ethical standards in journalism.

"Media is a mirror that enables people to see the world. We must build ecosystems in our countries where ethics and social responsibility prevail. I believe this Shusha Forum contributes to establishing shared principles so that humanity understands media should not be turned into a tool for fueling conflicts."

She added that the discussions at the forum were focused on strengthening professionalism in the media sector.

"Our societies need ethical mediation, peace, and a culture of listening. Media and journalists must work closely to ensure that the voices of people in every community are heard. They can also contribute to peace," Akharbach said.

By Sabina Mammadli