The modernization of the global information environment, broader application of advanced technologies in the field of media, and overall digitization processes provided for formation of a new and dynamic media space around the world. On 13–14 July 2026, the city of Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, hosted the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, entitled "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust," to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the broad spectrum of trends observed in the contemporary media environment, expand opportunities for cross-border media dialogue and public discourse, strengthen mutual trust, enhance the effectiveness of coordinated responses to disinformation, and discuss the media's responsibility in shaping narratives, as well as ethical frameworks in the age of artificial intelligence.
IV Shusha Global Media Forum in Numbers
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Program
For more information about the forum sessions and speakers, please click here.
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Day 113.07.2026
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Day 214.07.2026
09:00-12:00
High-level meeting with forum participants
15:00-16:00
Departure from Shusha to Khojaly
16:00-17:30
Visit to the Khojaly Genocide Memorial
16:00-17:30
Paralell event
Digital Platforms and Information Safety Current Challenges and Key Solutions
Digital Platforms and Information Safety Current Challenges and Key Solutions
17:30-18:30
Departure from Khojaly to Shusha
18:00-18:30
Parallel event
Presentation of the Strategic Framework of the D-8 Media Excellence Center
Presentation of the Strategic Framework of the D-8 Media Excellence Center
20:00
Gala dinner and musical performances
09:00-09:30
Opening Ceremony - Opening Video
Masters of Ceremonies (MCs):
Ms. Jane Witherspoon - Euronews
Mr. Guy Shone - AnewZ TV
Masters of Ceremonies (MCs):
Ms. Jane Witherspoon - Euronews
Mr. Guy Shone - AnewZ TV
09:00-09:30
Welcome Remarks
Mr. Hikmat Hajiyev Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Mr. Hikmat Hajiyev Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan
09:30-10:00
1st panel discussion (1+2)
Peacebuilding and Public Discourse Through the Media Lens
Peacebuilding and Public Discourse Through the Media Lens
10:00-10:15
1st one-on-one discussion
The Impact of Disinformation on Peace: Coordinated Media Responses
The Impact of Disinformation on Peace: Coordinated Media Responses
10:15-10:45
Tea and coffee break
10:30-11:30
Parallel event
Media Horizon: AI, Visual Storytelling & Next-Gen Experiences
Media Horizon: AI, Visual Storytelling & Next-Gen Experiences
10:45-11:15
2nd panel discussion (1+2)
From Destruction to Renewal: Urban Narratives and Media Responsibility
From Destruction to Renewal: Urban Narratives and Media Responsibility
11:15-11:45
3rd panel discussion (1+2)
The Role of Media Diplomacy and Media Literacy in Rebuilding Trust
The Role of Media Diplomacy and Media Literacy in Rebuilding Trust
11:30-12:30
Parallel event
Ordinary Executive Board Meeting of the Alliance of Turkic News Agencies (ATNA) jointly with AZERTAC
Ordinary Executive Board Meeting of the Alliance of Turkic News Agencies (ATNA) jointly with AZERTAC
11:45-12:15
Tea and coffee break
12:00-13:00
Parallel event
Successful Strategies for the Development of the Radio Industry: AI and Emerging Formats
Successful Strategies for the Development of the Radio Industry: AI and Emerging Formats
12:15-12:30
2nd one-on-one discussion
Social Media and Ethical Frameworks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Social Media and Ethical Frameworks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
12:30-12:45
3rd one-on-one discussion
Cross-Border Media Dialogue and Solidarity in the Digital Environment
Cross-Border Media Dialogue and Solidarity in the Digital Environment
12:45-13:00
Closing of the Forum
Quotes
Claus Strunz
CEO, Euronews
Disinformation is a threat, but also an opportunity... it creates new journalistic formats.
Dr. Karen Sutherland
SFHEA, Senior Lecturer - Public Relations, Social Media Educator & Researcher, School of Business and Creative Industries, UniSC
While social platforms do have their part to play in managing and being transparent in terms of AI-generated content, I think we need to look inside and see what practices are happening within organizations.
Dennis Yu
Google and Youtube expert; CEO, BlitzMetrics
But I think it's tough now to determine what is factually true as opposed to what is popular.
Ziphora Maubane
Head of Communication and Advocacy,
We need to empower the public to be able to decipher between what is fake news and what is actually great reporting and news that can be consumed.
Şəfəq Mehrəliyeva
Faculty, Communication and Digital Media Program,
ADA University
Media literacy means two things - one is to develop interpretation and judgment of the content that you consume based on knowledge and evidence. And the second thing is to consume it with a tolerance and respect to difference of opinions.
Jaffar Hasnain
Presenter & Correspondent, TRT World
Journalism is not just about reporting, it’s about verifying, cross-checking, and getting your news from reliable sources.
Oubai Shahbandar
Correspondent, AnewZ
Our phones are supercomputers. At any time, any one of us can be an investigative journalist, but there does come a certain level of responsibility.
Fernando Soares
Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Euronews;
CEO, Euronews Baku
A truly media-literate person is someone who understands what media is, what technology is, and how technology is shaping what media can do and communicate today.
Alexandru Giboi
Secretary General, The European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA)
Information literacy is the capacity of a person to receive information, filter it, understand it, and, furthermore, be able to make good decisions.
Aina Zadabek
Chairperson of the Management Board of
"Qazcontent" JSC
It is very important to develop your skills and the ability to think critically — it is exactly what helps us detect deepfakes and identify false information.
Salah Negm
DIRECTOR, AL JAZEERA ENGLISH NEWS CHANNEL
Disinformation differs from misinformation by intent and motive. Our role as media is actually to enliven people by telling them what is exactly, getting them to the surface, discussing it, getting their opinion, people's opinion about it.
Thembisa Fakude
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO), MAIL AND GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER (M&G)
We've moved from disinformation to an era of perpetual misinformation. This is a significant challenge, especially on topics like climate change, where varying opinions persist due to longstanding misinformation.
Mohamed Er-Raji
PHD; HEAD OF MEDIA STUDIES,
AL JAZEERA CENTRE FOR STUDIES
As a news agency, we must prioritize accuracy, speed, and objectivity. Our confidence should not be undermined by instances of fake news. Disinformation is disseminated not only by certain private institutions but also by government entities.
Charles Veley
FOUNDER, MTP
(MOST TRAVELED PEOPLE) CLUB
Some people write comments like “why do you support ethnic cleansing and barbarism?” However, I have stated that I am simply conveying the truth about what I have witnessed.
From world to Shusha, voices unite to protect the thruth
Gallery
