Baku: The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum themed 'The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust' was held in the city of Shusha, the Republic of Azerbaijan. More than 160 journalists and media representatives from 54 countries attended the forum, with participants from 30 international news agencies and 60 major media organizations.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the forum gave journalists, media experts, editors, and public officials a chance to come together and discuss how the media can help build a more peaceful and informed world. This significant event underscored Azerbaijan's growing role in the world and reflected the country's remarkable development under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Hosting multiple international forums like the World Urban Forum 2026, Baku Energy Week 2026, and now the Shusha Global Media Forum, Azerbaijan is emerging as a trusted member of the international community and a key regional player. The choice of Shusha, a city in Garabagh, Azerbaijan, as the venue was particularly meaningful as it showcased the rapid reconstruction efforts in a region once ravaged by conflict, symbolizing renewal and progress.
The forum was pivotal in bringing together diverse voices to discuss the future of global media, focusing on the evolving landscape of social media, journalism, and the challenges of misinformation and declining public trust. Discussions also centered around the adaptation of journalism to artificial intelligence, responsible reporting, media ethics, and international dialogue. The event provided a platform for journalists and media experts worldwide to directly engage with the President of Azerbaijan, fostering open communication and exchange of ideas.
The discussions highlighted how AI, digital communication, and misinformation are transforming the media landscape. Participants deliberated on upholding ethical journalism principles and ensuring factual reporting in an era of rapid technological advancement. The responsible use of AI in journalism was a key topic, with participants emphasizing the importance of human judgment and moral standards alongside technological efficiency.
The leadership of Azerbaijan in hosting the forum for the fourth time was praised for creating an engaging international platform amidst a complex global information environment. The event facilitated cultural exchange, dialogue, and human connectivity, bringing together participants from various backgrounds to address common challenges and share knowledge.
A standout feature of the forum was its openness to different viewpoints, encouraging participants to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss pressing global issues in a professional setting. This environment fosters honest conversations and pragmatic ideas to combat disinformation and enhance public trust in media.
Another highlight was the exploration of AI's role in journalism, where experts discussed its impact on news production, fact-checking, and content creation. While acknowledging technology's benefits in improving efficiency, they agreed it could never replace human judgment and accurate reporting.
The forum demonstrated Azerbaijan's readiness to host discussions on issues shaping the future of global communication. The participation of media representatives from diverse countries facilitated the exchange of ideas, reducing misunderstandings and strengthening professional networks. These platforms open new cooperation areas and create opportunities for future collaborations.
President Ilham Aliyev's address emphasized peace, regional advancements, connectivity, and the growing importance of dialogue and communication. His participation and the presence of senior government officials underscored Azerbaijan's commitment to engaging with the international media community.
The continued success of the Shusha Global Media Forum highlights Azerbaijan's dedication to promoting dialogue, responsible journalism, and global engagement, offering a respected platform for discussing journalism's future and strengthening media cooperation.