The ninth congress of the Press Council is being held today.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that 225 delegates have confirmed their participation in the congress.
The congress will hear reports from the chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council’s Board and the Audit and Inspection Commission, discuss the reports and elect a new Board. The final ballot for the congress of Azerbaijani journalists includes the 46 candidates who received the most votes from the Organizing Committee.
At the meeting, 14 of the 28 journalist candidates and nine of the 18 candidates representing the public will be elected to the Board.
Participants in the ninth congress of journalists have issued an address to President Ilham Aliyev on their behalf.
Journalist Seyfeddin Huseynli read the address.
The address says:
“Esteemed Mr. President!
We, the participants of the ninth Congress of Azerbaijani Journalists, extend our respectful greetings to you.
From its earliest days, Azerbaijani journalism has served to educate our people and to shape and strengthen national self-awareness, patriotism and the aspiration for independence. The national press, founded by the great and devoted educator Hasan bey Zardabi, has worked tirelessly for the progress of our society and for our people to unite around the highest values and build a brighter future.
Our national leader, Heydar Aliyev, regarded freedom of speech as a vital pillar of democratic state-building, highly valued the media’s public role and paid particular attention to its development. Under your leadership, this wise political course has gained new, vibrant substance and a more dynamic pace of development. Progress in expanding the media’s capabilities and strengthening journalists’ professional standards and social protection is a clear indication of this development. We believe that the ongoing reforms in this area will further raise the professionalism and international standing of Azerbaijani media.
Esteemed Mr. President! The resolute defense of Azerbaijan’s national interests and the successful articulation of its independent position on every platform place important responsibilities on our journalists today. We consider the accurate presentation of our state’s successful policies, our independent path of development and the realities of a modern, powerful Azerbaijan both a foremost professional duty and a requirement of our civic responsibility. Like all your speeches, your address at the eighth congress of the New Azerbaijan Party, held on October 2, brought together Azerbaijan’s historic path, its current goals and future priorities under a unified vision, and set new objectives for our journalism as well. Your views on countering ideological risks and information provocations amid the growing influence of the internet, cyberattacks and artificial intelligence call on the media to renew itself and act with greater purpose.
Azerbaijani journalists clearly understand their responsibility to distinguish accurate information from all forms of manipulation, prevent confusion in public opinion and contribute to information security.
Esteemed Mr. President!
The participants of the ninth Congress of Azerbaijani Journalists declare that they will continue to work professionally to protect our state independence, strengthen national unity and convey our truths to the world objectively. Our journalists are ready to contribute anew, with all their experience and skills, to strengthening secular principles in society, preventing alien influences from entering our public life, and promoting tolerance and civic solidarity. We assure you that, as media professionals, we will make consistent and determined efforts to fulfill our responsibilities in safeguarding and strengthening the foundations of the Azerbaijani state.
We express our gratitude for your unwavering commitment to Azerbaijan’s national and state interests, your example of selfless service to the people, and the great attention and care you show journalists. We wish you further success in your tireless work for the progress of our Motherland.
May Almighty God be your help!”
