The historic city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, is set to become the epicenter of global media discourse as it prepares to host the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum on July 13–14. Convening nearly 160 media leaders, high-ranking officials, and communication experts from 54 countries, the event serves as a high-level assembly dedicated to examining the essential role of journalism in fostering peace and rebuilding public trust. As the information landscape faces unprecedented volatility, this gathering underscores Shusha’s growing prestige as a vital hub for international dialogue.
The theme of this year’s forum, “The Mission of Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust,” strikes at the heart of contemporary journalistic challenges. In an era where the rapid dissemination of information often outpaces verification, the forum aims to define the future of responsible journalism. By addressing the complexities of the modern information ecosystem, participants will work toward developing strategies that prioritize accuracy and integrity over the speed of the news cycle, ensuring that media remains a bedrock of stable, well-informed societies.
The scale of this summit reflects its significance within the global media sector, drawing representatives from approximately 30 international news agencies and over 60 prominent media organizations. Furthermore, the attendance of nearly 10 international organizations and global companies highlights a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between media, technology, and governance. This diverse confluence of voices is designed to produce actionable insights, moving beyond theoretical discussion toward practical, collective solutions for protecting the integrity of information in a digitalized world.
A significant portion of the two-day agenda is dedicated to navigating the disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence on the news industry. Through a series of interactive sessions, panel discussions, and bilateral meetings, experts will address how technological advancements are reshaping news production and consumption. The focus remains heavily on combating the proliferation of disinformation, as attendees strive to create frameworks that encourage ethical media practices and foster long-term digital cooperation between nations and societies.
Since its inception in 2022, the Shusha Global Media Forum has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a regional initiative into a premier global platform for setting the journalistic agenda. Its inaugural event in 2022, focused on “Global Trends in the Media,” laid the groundwork for what has become a consistent and authoritative voice in the media industry. Each successive year has seen the forum tackle increasingly complex topics, reflecting the rapid shifts in information technology and geopolitical realities that define the 21st century.
Building on the successes of previous iterations—such as the 2023 discussions on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the 2024 focus on unmasking false narratives, and the 2025 deep dive into digital resilience—the upcoming forum aims to solidify its legacy as an essential venue for navigating the future. By continuously adapting its focus to meet the evolving demands of the digital age, the Shusha Global Media Forum stands as a testament to the enduring necessity of principled, resilient, and collaborative journalism on the world stage.