The 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum on "Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation” comes to an end

The 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, held on July 20-22, 2024, on "Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation", has come to an end. More than 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including information agencies of about 30 countries, 3 international organizations and 82 media organizations joined this year’s forum.

The Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Mr. Ahmad Ismayilov, who delivered the closing speech of the forum assessed the 3-day Shusha Global Media Forum as a fruitful event that contributed to new friendships among media representatives. "I believe that these relations will be both effective and long-lasting. We hope that the panel discussions were of great use and that you will leave Shusha with positive impressions," Mr. Ahmad Ismayilov said.

Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan recognized the value of the Forum as an important platform for professional to meet and tackle the widespread problem of disinformation. She emphasized that through discussion and exchange of ideas, we understood how disinformation deeply affects our society.

Evaluating the role of the media in climate action, Ms. Nigar Arpadarai reminded of the critical mission the media has in increasing awareness and sharing messages with a broader public. Ms. Arpadarai believes that effective communication and awareness raising will lead to sustainable development and prevention of climate change.

The forum brought together officials from different countries, media and civil society, state, business and international organizations representatives, as well as media experts who discussed the formation of a comprehensive picture of disinformation in the modern world, the analysis of its large-scale negative consequences and the determination of the most effective solutions to combat it, including more effective measures against disinformation. The participants exchanged ideas on policies and initiatives to build a sustainable society, media literacy, the impact of AI on reality, the media, the role of the media in the climate action and other issues.

In the panel sessions, discussions ranged from the application of innovative methods and proactive strategies to solve the problems caused by misinformation in the digital age, and to the establishment and strengthening of mutual cooperation in this direction, as well as preparations for the COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan.

The forum featured presentations of different projects, exhibitions, cultural events, as well as served as a platform for inking cooperation agreements, and hosted bilateral and multilateral meetings.