At the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, delivered a keynote address highlighting the critical challenges posed by the modern information landscape. Speaking from the historic city of Shusha, Hajiyev articulated how Azerbaijan has increasingly become a specific target for coordinated international disinformation campaigns. These remarks set the tone for a broader discussion on the fragility of truth in an era where digital manipulation often overshadows objective reporting.
Hajiyev utilized the forum as a platform to showcase Azerbaijan’s recent, sweeping modernization of its national media environment. He explained that these comprehensive reforms are designed not merely to update infrastructure, but to cultivate a robust architecture of professional journalism. By focusing on institutional capacity-building, the state aims to establish a resilient media ecosystem that can effectively withstand the pressures of rapid technological advancement and protect the integrity of the national discourse.
A central pillar of the President’s initiative, according to Hajiyev, is the fortification of ethical standards and media literacy. He emphasized that the ultimate goal of these reforms is to nurture sustainable media institutions that prioritize independent, credible reporting. By fostering a climate of transparency, the Azerbaijani government seeks to enhance public trust, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the analytical tools necessary to differentiate between objective news and manufactured narratives.
The discussion took a stern turn when Hajiyev addressed the proliferation of smear campaigns orchestrated against Azerbaijan by various international actors. He noted that these efforts are often sophisticated and persistent, necessitating a vigilant, fact-based response from the government. He cautioned that the burden of proof has become significantly heavier in recent years, as the line between malicious disinformation and legitimate skepticism has been deliberately blurred by various interest groups.
Hajiyev’s critique extended to the global information architecture, specifically targeting technology giants and legacy media institutions. He argued that some of these influential entities, which should serve as the pillars of objective truth, have instead at times facilitated the spread of misinformation. He stressed that this failure of institutional responsibility creates a dangerous environment where verified facts are suppressed by algorithms, making it urgent for governments, academia, and civil society to collaborate on new strategies for accountability.
In his concluding remarks, the Presidential aide underscored that the restoration of global trust is only possible through sustained dialogue and a return to the foundational principles of professional journalism. He issued a call to action for international stakeholders, urging a collective commitment to fostering a transparent information environment rooted in mutual respect. By emphasizing this shared responsibility, Hajiyev signaled that Azerbaijan remains committed to defending its reputation while advocating for a global media landscape defined by substance and ethics rather than manipulation.