The second Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum concluded in Baku on the final day of September. It is worth recalling that a Memorandum of Understanding between the relevant media agencies of both countries was signed in 2022 during the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Business Forum held in Tashkent. This agreement was referred to as the “Roadmap” for advancing bilateral cooperation in the media sector.
The first Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum took place in Tashkent in 2024, where participants focused on strategies to combat misinformation in the media sphere. The agenda for the second media forum centered on “Digital Transformation and Media.” The forum organizers noted that exchanging expertise and knowledge in structuring the digital media environment, implementing new technologies, and upholding professional journalism standards will make a significant contribution to the development of the media sectors in both countries. This emphasis reflects the presence of significant challenges in today’s world, particularly the urgent need to address specific issues arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the media sector. In this context, a key priority is the modernization of the information space in both countries. Moreover, the media should leverage AI not only to enhance presentation but also to create more engaging and compelling content.
photo: APA
Overall, the world today is undeniably experiencing a digital transformation that many people describe as a revolution. Consequently, national leaders prioritize protecting their countries’ interests by leveraging these technologies while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
As highlighted during the media forum, Uzbekistan has established a Content Creation Center for the media sector. Taking into account the current challenges related to content quality, it is crucial to develop the information space through homegrown solutions. In this regard, the Uzbek side, citing Azerbaijan’s initiatives in this field as an example, advocated for expanding bilateral cooperation, including the development of joint projects and the training of personnel for content creation. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of jointly producing series and documentaries that highlight shared goals, history, and culture between the two countries.
Simultaneously, the forum participants called for the development of new approaches to audiovisual content production and regulation. Such efforts will undoubtedly contribute to raising quality standards in the global media landscape and strengthening activities grounded in professional principles.
Speakers emphasized that media cooperation between Tashkent and Baku stands out as a significant component of overall Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations, particularly reflecting the allied nature of their partnership. In today’s world, information is not seen merely as a means of delivering news, but as a bridge that unites nations. In this context, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bahrom Ashrafkhanov emphasized that mutual understanding in the field of information and media is a vital extension of the strategic partnership between the two countries. In this regard, special attention is given to the unified platforms established by the media outlets of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which significantly enhance the mutual exchange of information and contribute to the promotion of shared values.
photo: Kun.uz
A separate focus of the forum discussions was the expansion of cooperation between universities and the creation of practical conditions for improving the skills of future journalists in the digital sphere. This includes studying and applying modern, innovative approaches in media education. This topic became one of the most actively discussed during the panel session titled “Media Partnership in the Digital Age: Joint Initiatives in the Field of Information Security.”
Moreover, participants paid special attention to the influence of social media on emerging trends in the media landscape. One of the key objectives outlined for traditional media organizations was to take concrete steps to prevent the spread of fake news on their platforms. The forum participants emphasized the importance of this approach, citing clear attempts by hostile actors to use social media as a tool for influencing the minds of specific segments of the population, with the aim of steering public opinion in a direction that serves their interests. Therefore, it is essential to counter such efforts through joint action, preventing these threats at their inception and mitigating the potential dangers they may pose.
Thus, the second Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum placed a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of digitalization, including the need for protection against cyber threats. However, according to experts, the significance of the event extends far beyond that. It can also be viewed in a broader context as a reflection of how Tashkent and Baku see the media sphere as one of the driving forces behind the strengthening of their allied relations.
