Baku: An international conference titled "Media and Decolonization: Rising Voices, Empowered Narratives" was held in Baku at the initiative of the Baku Initiative Group (BTG), APA reports. The conference brought together heads and representatives of media organizations from former and current colonial territories, as well as journalists and political commentators.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the conference featured two panel sessions focusing on "The Role of the Media in Raising International Awareness of Decolonization" and "The Role of the Media in Amplifying the Voices of Indigenous Peoples and Territories Striving for Self-Determination in the International Media." Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group Abbas Abbasov opened the conference, highlighting the organization's efforts over the past three years to raise global awareness of the consequences of colonialism and the significance of the decolonization process.

Jean-Michel Brun, founder of the "France Muslims" news portal, addressed the conference, noting how the 19th-century French press depicted colonialism as a "civilizing mission," which masked the underlying violence and exploitation. Cedric Monzia Aundu, chief representative of the Voice of Congo organization, emphasized that influencers could become vital partners to journalists in crafting new narratives on decolonization.

Journalist and communications specialist Abdurahman Wone from Senegal expressed gratitude to the conference organizers and underscored the importance of platforms where representatives from different countries can engage in discussions on historical memory, human rights, and the equitable representation of peoples.

The conference concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Baku Initiative Group (BTG) and the Institute of Advanced International Studies (INHEI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso.