A Commitment to Integrity in Journalism

The Forum opened with remarks from the European Union Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Aleska Simkic, who emphasized the EU's dedication to tackling disinformation and supporting ethical journalism.

“The EU is committed to raise awareness about information manipulation and disinformation, to fight it and to build resilience against it, both in the EU and globally - together with partners. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence can serve as either a weapon or a shield in the fight against disinformation—what matters is how we use and understand them. Together, through awareness, knowledge-sharing, and commitment, we can build resilience against the growing challenges of information manipulation and safeguard the integrity of journalism.”

Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board at Maqsut Narikbayev University, underscored the importance of preparing future journalists to meet these challenges:

We are convinced that advancing journalistic practices and countering misinformation are critical steps toward fostering public trust and protecting democratic values” 

Highlights from the Media Forum

The Media Forum 2024 featured a wide range of activities designed to inspire and educate media professionals.

Exhibition: “The Future of Media Through the Lens of AI”

A standout feature of the event was an exhibition exploring the creative potential of AI in media. The display, titled “The Future of Media Through the Lens of AI”, showcased AI-generated images created by students from Maqsut Narikbayev University and representatives from EU Member States. The exhibition examined how language, AI tools, and individual interpretation influence creative outcomes, offering a thought-provoking look at AI's role in shaping the media landscape.

Hands-On Workshops

Participants engaged in two highly interactive workshops:

1. "How to Deal with Contemporary Information Manipulation?" – This session focused on recognizing and countering disinformation with practical strategies.
2. "Should a Journalist Harness Artificial Intelligence?" – Attendees explored the ethical and practical implications of using AI tools in journalism.

Led by experienced European trainers, these sessions provided valuable skills and insights for navigating the evolving challenges of media work.

Building a Resilient Media Community

The Media Forum 2024 not only sparked meaningful conversations but also strengthened the media community’s ability to adapt to rapid technological change. The event reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting ethical journalism and countering the spread of misinformation.

As AI continues to redefine the boundaries of journalism, the European Union remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation with partners in Kazakhstan and beyond. Through initiatives like the Media Forum, the EU is working to build a resilient, informed media ecosystem that upholds democratic values and public trust.

Stay tuned for more events and updates as the EU and its partners continue to champion responsible, forward-thinking media practices in the digital age.