The second Uzbekistan – Azerbaijan Media Forum, held in Baku, brought together representatives of leading media outlets, government institutions, and public organizations from both countries. The discussions focused on digitalization, media literacy, countering disinformation, and strengthening professional ties among journalists.

Rasim Bagirov, Director of the International Relations Department at the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, noted that the forum was a continuation of the consistent efforts launched following the signing of the Roadmap for Media Cooperation in August 2023, during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Azerbaijan.

“The first forum, held in September last year in Tashkent, became an important stage in implementing the agreements reached. In accordance with the document, several major projects have already been carried out, and today’s meeting in Baku presents a new opportunity to review achievements and outline prospects. Regular exchanges of journalist visits have become a good tradition. Uzbek media representatives have visited Baku, Shusha, Shamakhi, Sheki, Aghdam, and Fuzuli, where they became acquainted with the cultural heritage and the reconstruction processes of the liberated territories. In turn, Azerbaijani journalists have visited Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand, where they observed Uzbekistan’s media reforms and the dynamic development of its information sphere”, emphasized Rasim Bagirov.

Doctor of Philology, Acting Professor, and Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, Dr. Nozima Muratova, noted that digital technologies have become an integral part of our lives today. News spreads within seconds, public opinion is shaped on social networks, and artificial intelligence is increasingly penetrating the information space. Under these conditions, journalism is no longer just a source of information. It becomes a key factor in trust, stability, and social development. For this reason, media education acquires strategic importance. A modern journalist must not only master digital tools but also be able to analyze big data, verify facts amid the information flow, and adhere to ethical principles.

“At the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, we strive to train a new generation of specialists – equipped with digital skills, critical thinking, and a strong sense of professional responsibility. However, education must go hand in hand with research. Today, the development of journalism is impossible without studying the impact of algorithms, social networks, and artificial intelligence on society. Such research requires international cooperation. Academic exchanges, joint media projects, and student programs between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan can make an important contribution to shaping a shared media space in the region. Digital transformation demands the joint efforts of universities, research centers, and media organizations”, Dr. Nozima Muratova added.

Aziza Alimova, UzA