Baku, October 1, 2026 – The Europe Today: The first Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Media Forum on “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World” was held in Baku, bringing together government officials, media representatives, communications professionals and experts from CICA member states.
Organized by Azerbaijan’s Media and Broadcasting Council, the forum focused on the role of media in strengthening mutual trust, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue and regional cooperation.
Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, delivered President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants.
CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay highlighted Azerbaijan’s contributions to connectivity and digitalization within CICA and outlined achievements recorded during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship. He emphasized the importance of the forum amid geopolitical tensions, climate challenges and economic pressures, describing closer contacts among media professionals as an important means of promoting mutual understanding.
Sarybay stressed that deeper cooperation among CICA member states should be accompanied by stronger ties among media organizations and professionals, enabling them to exchange experience and present CICA initiatives to wider audiences.
Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments Khalaf Khalafov underlined the importance of objective, responsible and professional journalism amid increasing geopolitical tensions, disinformation and hate speech.
He said expanding media cooperation was among the priorities of Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship, emphasizing professional exchanges, joint efforts to counter disinformation and the promotion of responsible journalism.
Following the opening session, participants held a panel discussion on “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World.”
Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samaddin Asadov said ties among CICA countries would continue to develop, stressing that confidence-building measures should also extend to transport corridors in order to promote economic integration and broader cooperation.
Mehmet Daniş, President of Türkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), said growing global challenges and uncertainty were affecting confidence in multilateralism and highlighted the increasing importance of organizations such as CICA. He noted that contemporary challenges could not be effectively addressed through unilateral approaches.
Other speakers highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic position connecting different continents and discussed the impact of international security crises on regional stability and predictability.
The forum also featured a panel titled “The Role of Media in Strengthening Social Cohesion and Intercultural Dialogue,” moderated by ADA University lecturer Shafag Mehraliyeva.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar emphasized the important role of media in promoting mutual understanding and trust amid growing polarization.
She noted that media organizations not only provide information but also influence public opinion, facilitate understanding among communities and strengthen social ties, placing significant responsibility on journalists to uphold professional standards.
Kobuljon Akhmedov, Director of the Media Content Production Center under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, called for more frequent meetings and closer cooperation among media organizations. He highlighted the role of media in raising awareness of political, historical, cultural and educational developments, as well as joint projects and achievements.
Montaser Abu Zeid, Ambassador of Palestine to Kazakhstan, discussed both opportunities and challenges arising from the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. He noted that AI could support information analysis, fact-checking and access to knowledge, while also posing risks related to misinformation, fabricated content and manipulation of public opinion.
He stressed the importance of transparency, human oversight and adherence to professional and ethical standards in the use of AI in journalism.
Other participants, including Jordanian Ministry of Government Communication Secretary-General Zaid Al Nawaiseh, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Salken Sarnogoyeva, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Information Under Secretary of State Prak Thaveak Amida, emphasized the media’s responsibility to promote trust, social unity and intercultural dialogue.
Speakers stressed that strengthening trust across the CICA region is a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of reliable media in presenting diverse views based on verified information and mutual respect.
The discussions concluded with an emphasis on responsible communication, professional media cooperation and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding among CICA member states.
The first CICA Media Forum provided a platform for government officials, media and communications representatives, media managers and experts to exchange experiences and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in promoting trust and stability across the region.
