Azerbaijan to Host 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum: Navigating the Digital Transition in the Age of AI
The Azerbaijani city of Shusha is gearing up to host the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum from July 20-21, 2025, under the theme “Digital Transitions: Strengthening the Resilience of Information and Mass Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” This prestigious event is expected to draw over 140 international participants from 52 countries, representing a diverse array of media organizations, global institutions, and governmental bodies. The forum aims to address critical challenges facing the media landscape, including the ethical implications of AI, the fight against disinformation, and the evolving role of media in a rapidly changing world. The choice of Shusha as the venue holds symbolic significance, highlighting Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery and its commitment to fostering international dialogue.
The Shusha Global Media Forum has quickly established itself as a significant platform for media discourse since its inception in 2023. The inaugural forum focused on “New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution,” exploring topics like digital transformation, media business models, and journalist safety. The second forum in 2024 tackled the pressing issue of “The Fight Against Disinformation,” emphasizing the detrimental effects of fake news and the importance of media literacy. This year’s forum builds on the foundations laid by its predecessors, focusing on the transformative impact of AI on the media landscape and the urgent need for resilience in the face of digital threats.
The 2025 forum will delve into the profound implications of artificial intelligence for information dissemination, newsroom operations, and public opinion. As deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and AI-generated content blur the lines between reality and fabrication, the forum will provide a space for media stakeholders to discuss ethical frameworks, safeguards, and new norms for digital journalism. The discussions will explore how AI can be harnessed responsibly to enhance journalistic practices while mitigating the risks posed by its misuse. This exploration is crucial in an era where the manipulation of information through AI technologies poses a significant threat to democratic processes and public trust.
Media resilience will be another central theme of the forum, encompassing institutional independence, financial sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. In a fragmented information environment, fostering cooperation and developing innovative responses to digital threats are paramount. The forum will facilitate discussions on how media organizations can strengthen their resilience in the face of evolving challenges, including economic pressures, political interference, and technological disruptions. The goal is to develop practical strategies and collaborative solutions to ensure the long-term viability and integrity of independent media.
The selection of Shusha as the venue for the forum carries significant weight. Located in the Garabagh region, Shusha represents Azerbaijan’s commitment to peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and technological advancement. Hosting this international gathering in Shusha underscores Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation in a region marked by historical complexities. It also highlights the country’s focus on revitalizing the region and integrating it into the global community. The backdrop of Shusha adds a layer of symbolic significance to the forum’s discussions on rebuilding trust, fostering resilience, and promoting intercultural understanding.
By convening policymakers, media professionals, civil society actors, AI experts, and climate communication advocates, the Shusha Global Media Forum aims to facilitate a comprehensive and multifaceted dialogue. This event is part of Azerbaijan’s broader strategy to position itself as a key player in international discourse, not only in traditional areas like energy and diplomacy but also in the crucial realm of information integrity and media development. The forum serves as a testament to Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering a robust and responsible global media landscape capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. As AI continues to reshape the media landscape and disinformation poses an escalating threat, the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum is poised to become a crucial platform for shaping the future of media. It provides an opportunity for international collaboration and the development of forward-looking strategies to guide media institutions and policymakers through the complexities of digital transformation. Shusha, once more, is set to be a hub for global thought leadership, where the future of media is not just discussed but actively reimagined.