OMM Newsroom
On the eve of the opening of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, participants discussed peacebuilding, media responsibility and the growing threat of disinformation. AnewZ reports that the integrity of the information environment was the focus of a special session held ahead of the forum, which will bring together international politicians, academics, media representatives and civil society leaders.
The session, titled “The language of peace and countering disinformation,” was held at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art as part of the Baku Culture and Media Dialogue Platform.
The forum, scheduled for October 27-29, is dedicated to the theme “Dialogue for a shared future: Building bridges in a divided world.” Its aim is to go beyond traditional cultural exchanges and discuss practical ways to address global divisions, promote cooperation and strengthen prospects for lasting peace.
Disinformation becoming part of hybrid threats
Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said the development of artificial intelligence and the expanding reach of social media were creating new challenges for the information environment and making it easier for false content to spread rapidly.
“We are now seeing disinformation, misinformation and all related elements becoming part of a broader hybrid strategy affecting countries and societies,” Hajiyev said.
He said false or manipulated information was increasingly being used to influence public opinion and shape political and social processes.
Participants discussed the pressures facing journalism in the digital age and stressed the importance of responsible reporting, media literacy and public trust as new technologies transform how information is produced and consumed.
Hajiyev says confidence-building is vital for peace with Armenia
Addressing regional issues, Hajiyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s stated commitment to reaching a lasting settlement with Armenia after decades of conflict in the South Caucasus.
He said Azerbaijan had proposed the core principles of a peace agreement after the 2020 war. In Hajiyev’s view, signing diplomatic documents alone is not enough to secure lasting peace; confidence-building measures and reconciliation between societies must also be important parts of any sustainable agreement.
Hajiyev also voiced concern about revanchist sentiment among some groups in Armenia and the impact of disinformation on efforts to normalize relations.
“At the initial stage, there are peace agreements on the ground. But I am sure that every Azerbaijani, especially those who were expelled from their homes, lived as refugees and internally displaced persons for 30 years and were subjected to ethnic cleansing, expects a message of apology from the Armenian side,” he said.
Hajiyev added that such a step should form part of a broader process aimed at building confidence between the two countries and consolidating peace. Azerbaijani officials consider the establishment of a stable and lasting peace architecture in the South Caucasus one of the country’s key strategic priorities.
Forum program includes artificial intelligence and global security
The forum will begin on October 27 and continue through October 29 at various venues in Baku, including Gulustan Palace, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Heydar Aliyev Palace and Baku Boulevard, as well as Garabagh University in Khankendi.
The program includes plenary discussions, ministerial meetings, thematic dialogues, a gathering of religious leaders, the Global Youth Forum and the “One Humanity” concert.
Participants will discuss a wide range of topics, including cultural heritage, migration, xenophobia, artificial intelligence, climate change, global security and conflict prevention.
Organizers said the forum aims to promote practical cooperation and dialogue at a time when geopolitical tensions, social divisions and technological change are reshaping international relations.
As part of preparations for the event, the Ministry of Culture organized a large-scale flash mob at the Seaside National Park. More than 1,500 volunteers who will support the forum’s activities took part.
Organizers said that, alongside promoting dialogue, they aim to find practical ways to bridge political, cultural and social differences. Over the next three days, discussions will focus on turning calls for cooperation into concrete initiatives that support peace, mutual understanding and shared security.
