Shusha (UNA) - The second day of the Shusha Global Media Forum continued on Sunday, where discussions focused on understanding the phenomenon of misleading information, and finding mechanisms to confront media misinformation at the societal level, amid wide participation from media professionals, officials, and experts.
Before the first session of the forum, the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department in the Presidential Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev, delivered a speech in which he explained that “misinformation is not a new phenomenon,” noting that “information is a powerful tool.” However, how they are used is the main question. The most dangerous aspect is that disinformation has turned into manipulation and psychological warfare against the Azerbaijani people.”
Hajiyev pointed out that misinformation can serve the purposes of certain groups, and can lead to wars, noting that the main victims of misinformation are the media and journalists.
The presidential aide highlighted Azerbaijan's long-term exposure to occupation, but stressed that foreign media portrayed it differently.
He added: “Some foreign media claimed that we committed crimes against Armenia, and that Armenia is the one facing occupation. However, we have constantly used refutation tools. Through official statements and press conferences, we provided accurate and truthful information to the world, and our media played a decisive role in this regard.”
Hikmet Hajiyev said that Azerbaijan faced a strong disinformation campaign regarding COP29, noting that “however, we believe in our work and continue our struggle.” In doing so, we are also contributing globally to the fight against climate change. We carry out our tasks on a daily basis. We receive fair support for our just position.”
The first session of the forum was held under the title: “Assessing Impact: Defining the Scope of Misleading Media” and was moderated by TRT World’s Executive Producer, Ghida Fakhry.
The session discussed analyzing disinformation, investigating the dynamics, sources, and types of disinformation within the new media landscape, and discussing efforts to map the reach of disinformation across modern information platforms, taking into account recent developments.
Presenter and correspondent TRT World, Jaafar Hassanein, First Deputy Director General of TASS News Agency, Mikhail Guzman, Director of Media Development at Al Jazeera Media Institute, Montaser Marei, and Academic and Scientific Director of the Turkey Observatory and the Center for International Policy Studies, Valeria Giannotta, spoke at the session.
The second session discussed the topic “Policy and initiatives to create a society capable of confronting misleading news” and was moderated by the Director of Research at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Dr. Ezz El-Din Abdel Mawla.
The session discussed finding mechanisms to deal with misleading news at the societal level, including by enhancing awareness of news verification tools, and preparing a periodic evaluation of the media based on credibility.
Speaking at the session were the head of media studies at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Mohammed Al-Raji, the head of news gathering and verification at the Al Jazeera “Sanad” agency, Omar Al-Qazzaz, the CEO of the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Thembisa Fakudi, and the news director of the Al Jazeera English channel, Salah Najm.
The second day also witnessed a tour for the forum participants, in which they saw the most important historical monuments in the city of Shusha.
The Forum hosts more than 150 participants from approximately 50 countries, including representatives of 30 news agencies, 3 international organizations and 82 media institutions, and serves as a collaborative platform for discussion and teamwork among participants.
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