Baku: The Azerbaijan-Georgia Media Forum, centered around the theme ‘The role of media in forming public trust and information security,’ took place in Baku. Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, opened the event by highlighting the need for consistent information exchange, building mutual trust among media entities, and establishing a unified communication agenda to enhance regional stability and sustainable development.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the first panel session, titled ‘Strengthening the media ecosystem to ensure information security,’ was moderated by Fazil Novruzov, Chief of Staff of the Audiovisual Council. Esteemed speakers included Radik Ismayilov from ARB 24 TV channel, Ioane Shaishmelashvili, host of the Georgian Eurocracy – Former Europe program, Adil Taghiyev from the Media Development Agency, and Ramiliya Aliyeva from the Public Television of Georgia. The session delved into challenges in the media sphere, discussing the impact of technological changes, preserving information integrity, the rise of social media as a primary information source, and engaging audiences through digital tools.
The second panel session, ‘Joint cooperation in increasing the professionalism of journalists and the media literacy of society,’ was led by Vafa Isgandarova from the Media Development Agency’s Nakhchivan Regional Office. Speakers such as Laman Isgandarova, Maia Pachkoria from Grigol Robakidze University, Vugar Zifaroglu from Baku State University, and Gia Abashidze from the Georgian ‘PosTV’ TV channel discussed enhancing journalist professionalism and media literacy. The panel emphasized the importance of reliable public information access, which requires improving journalist skills, awareness programs, and long-term media literacy initiatives.
The forum aims to strengthen media cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia, foster trust in the information environment, and address security challenges effectively.