Shusha, July 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: The opening ceremony of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, themed “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI,” was held in the historic city of Shusha on Saturday. The event commenced with the screening of a special introductory video, setting the stage for insightful discussions among global media professionals and intellectuals.
In his opening remarks, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, emphasized the significance of hosting the Forum in Shusha, describing it as “the cradle of Azerbaijani culture.” He said, “Shusha is not only a symbol of national heritage but also a source of inspiration. It has given birth to numerous writers and intellectuals who have shaped our cultural and scientific landscape.”
He highlighted that the Forum convenes at a historic juncture—a post-conflict city undergoing rapid reconstruction, symbolizing resilience and renewal. Hajiyev added that the Forum creates a unique platform for direct dialogue with President Ilham Aliyev, giving participants valuable insights into regional developments.
The event also marks the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani media, and Hajiyev paid tribute to the country’s first newspaper, Akinchi, founded by Hasan bey Zardabi. Despite censorship in its time, Akinchi championed progress, evolution, and enlightenment—values still upheld by today’s Azerbaijani press.
The Forum featured a panel discussion moderated by Andrea Sanke, host of TRT World’s The Newsmakers, focusing on “Innovative Approaches: Media Literacy in the Digital Age.”
Fernando Soares, Executive Director of Euronews in Baku, stressed the importance of understanding the origin and purpose of information in an age defined by disinformation and manipulation. “Media today must serve as the guardian of truth, not just a conveyor of facts,” he noted.
Alexandru Ion Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), remarked on the evolving complexity of the media landscape and underlined the value of partnerships. He praised AZERTAC and TREND News Agency for their professionalism and reliability, stating that such institutions are “a guarantee of information security.”
Oubai Shahbandar, a correspondent with AnewZ TV, commented on the blurred lines between professional journalism and social media commentary. He underscored the need for ethical standards, objectivity, and accountability to maintain public trust in journalism amid the rise of citizen reporting.
Aina Zadabek, Chairperson of the Management Board of “Qazcontent” JSC, shared Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence in media. She revealed plans to train over 1 million people in AI by 2029 and highlighted the role of a newly established supercomputer in accelerating national development. “Proper use of AI by journalists will greatly impact the future of media,” she added.
The event continued with dynamic live discussions, bringing together media experts, policymakers, and tech innovators committed to building a resilient and responsible media ecosystem in the digital era.
