The Media Forum of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), held in Baku, is another example of Azerbaijan’s role as a venue for international dialogue and cooperation. Dedicated to the theme “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World,” the Forum was organized at Azerbaijan’s initiative as the first Media Forum within the CICA framework. The event coincides with the final stage of Azerbaijan’s 2024–2026 CICA chairmanship and comes ahead of the upcoming CICA Summit.
This factor gives the Forum additional regional and diplomatic significance. CICA is a broad regional platform bringing together 28 states and covering approximately 90 percent of the territory of Asia. Its main objectives include strengthening peace, security and stability, increasing trust among states, and developing interaction and dialogue.
The addition of a media dimension to this agenda during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship demonstrates the growing importance of the information sphere for regional cooperation. The main objective of the Media Forum is to develop media cooperation as an important mechanism for strengthening regional trust, expanding information exchange, and deepening ties among CICA member states. Expanding ties between media organizations, exchanging experience among journalists, increasing media literacy, and discussing new opportunities and challenges created by digital technologies constitute the main directions of this strategy.
In the modern information environment, perceptions of a country are often shaped by the way information about that country, published by its media, reaches international audiences. For this reason, expanding media ties also carries practical significance for interstate relations. As President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted in his address to the Forum participants, CICA is regarded as a “unique dialogue platform that contributes to peace, security and stability in the region.” This idea is directly connected with the broader philosophy of the Media Forum.
Just as trust is built at the political and diplomatic levels, it is also strengthened in the information space. A reliable information environment is becoming an important condition for political dialogue between states. The President’s other observation further clarifies the role of the media in this process.
In the words of Ilham Aliyev, “The media, which reports on ongoing developments and delivers news to society, is a force that can influence the formation of public opinion, mutual trust, and understanding, as well as dialogue and opportunities for cooperation.” This approach reflects a broader role for the media beyond its traditional function as a channel for transmitting information. A news report, analytical article or interview can shape perceptions among audiences in different countries, increase awareness of existing ties and generate interest in new opportunities for cooperation. In this context, the issue of disinformation also carries particular importance.
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