On November 6-9, the events of the International Journalists Council (Global Journalism Council) were held.
Modern.az reports that more than 310 journalists from 41 countries participated in the meetings held at the five-star EFTELYA MARİN Hotel in Alanya, Turkey. Turkey's former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Antalya Deputy Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia Afrim Gashi, and Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu were among the honorary guests.
310 Journalists from 41 Countries on the Same Platform
The 5th media seminar of the International Journalists Council attracted attention both for its scope and the number of participants. 310 journalists from a wide geographical area covering Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America gathered to evaluate new developments in media diplomacy and communication.
In addition to being a professional meeting, the seminar transformed into a global platform for strengthening dialogue and understanding between countries. During the event, a video clip related to Azerbaijan's Victory Day was shown, and songs were performed by People's Artist Gulyanaq Mammadova.
Three Assemblies Together: Main, Local, and Foreign Media Sessions
During the event, three main assemblies, including the General Media Assembly, Local Media Assembly, and Foreign Media Assembly, convened separately. During the sessions, current issues facing the media sector were discussed, and solutions were proposed. Key points included the digital transformation of local media, increasing professional solidarity among press members, strengthening international cooperation in news, and disseminating public diplomacy activities through media.
The Power of Media Diplomacy Discussed
In his opening speech, Mehmet Ali Dim, Chairman of the Global Journalism Council, emphasized that media is not merely a means of transmitting information, but a force that builds bridges of trust and peace between societies: “Journalism is no longer just about delivering news; it is about creating understanding, empathy, and trust between countries."
Uraloğlu: Media and Communication are Turkey's Priority
Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, spoke about the transformation in the field of media and communication in his speech at the meeting. The Minister stated that an impartial and free press is one of the most important strengths of democratic states, emphasizing the role of journalists in delivering accurate and comprehensive information to society. He noted that "the stronger the voice of journalism, the more the demands of the nation will be reflected in society".
Media Power to Increase with 5G and Digital Transformation
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the 5G infrastructure launched in Turkey will increase communication speed tenfold and provide journalists with uninterrupted live broadcasting capabilities in 8K image quality. According to him, this development will simplify the processes of news gathering, verification, and dissemination for the media, elevating real-time reporting to the highest level.
Stating that rapid digitalization brings greater responsibility to journalists, Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of accurate and impartial journalism.
"Our conscientious press representatives, who pursue true news, play a critical role in combating disinformation,” Uraloğlu said.
Minister Receives Global Journalism Council Award
Within the framework of the Global Journalism Council's 5th Media Meeting held in Alanya, the "Ismail Gasprinsky Service Award" was presented to Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. The Minister received this award for his contributions to Turkey's media and communication infrastructure. Mehmet Ali Dim, Chairman of the Global Journalism Council, stated that the purpose of the award is to honor individuals who have served in transport, communication, and media diplomacy.
Meaningful Awards from the Worlds of Journalism, Diplomacy, and Art
At the ceremony, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Head of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) delegation to NATO, and Afrim Gashi, Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia, were honored with the “Global Diplomacy Award”.
Serdar Karagöz, Chairman and Director General of Anadolu Agency ("AA"), was awarded the "Ismail Gasprinsky Journalism Award" for his contributions to the Turkic world.
The award on behalf of "AA" was received by Hazal Duran, Director of Strategic Communications and Brand Management. The award was presented to her by TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev.
Emotional moments were also experienced at the ceremony. Sami Muhammed Shehadeh, a Palestinian journalist and cameraman for "TRT Arabic" who lost his leg during the Israeli army's attacks on Gaza, was honored with the “Global Journalism Award” for his courage and struggle for truth. The award was presented by AK Party Deputy Chairman Hüseyin Yayman. Shehadeh was met with prolonged applause from the audience.
A Moment Touching Art from the Turkic World: “Çırpınırdın Qara dəniz”
Azerbaijani artist Gulyanaq Mammadova, one of the award recipients, took to the stage after receiving the “Global Art Award” and performed the song “Çırpınırdın Qara dəniz”. The song evoked emotional moments for the audience.
Strong Protocols with International Media Collaborations
One of the most notable aspects of the seminar was the international cooperation protocols signed between media organizations.
Within this framework, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Global Journalism Council and TÜRKSOY with the aim of strengthening media and cultural communication.
TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasized the importance of a common media language in the Turkic world during his speech at the signing ceremony.
Addressing the participants before the signing ceremony, Sultan Raev said: “As TÜRKSOY, we operate with the mission of constantly revitalizing our culture, preserving and developing our common language and unity of thought.
The memorandum of understanding signed today between the Turkic world media and the Global Journalism Council is a concrete step towards this understanding.
This cooperation aims to create a common language and vision among media representatives of the Turkic world, increase solidarity in news circulation, and enhance information exchange.
We are working globally to strengthen common understanding, cultural values, and mutual visibility in the Turkic world in the fields of media and communications.
These national and international platforms, where various sessions such as the Broadcast Media Assembly, Local Media Assembly, and Foreign Media Assembly are held, form the most important foundation for these goals.
The agreement signed today is not merely a contract between our institutions; it is a commitment to the common future of the Turkic world and a will to make our collective voice heard even louder.”
Furthermore, a protocol was signed between the Global Journalism Council and the Azerbaijan Press Council to develop experience exchange and joint activities in the media field.
Subsequently, an agreement was reached with the Internet Journalists Federation (İGF) regarding digital media training and content sharing.
Panel on Transformation and Responsibility in the New Media World
In the second part of the seminar, a panel titled “Transformation and Responsibility in the New Media World,” discussing the transformation in the media world, was held in two separate sessions. The panel, attended by academics, journalists, and industry representatives, discussed the social impacts of media, its ethical responsibilities, and the new dynamics brought by digitalization.
Discussion on Ethics and Social Responsibility
In the first session of the “Social Role of Media” panel, held within the framework of the Global Journalism Council's 5th Media Seminar, the media's impact on social structure, its importance in the family institution, and its responsibility in combating violence were thoroughly discussed. Prof. Dr. Zakir Avşar emphasized the media's role in strengthening and protecting family unity, while Batuhan Aybers shared the European Union's support mechanisms and international cooperation opportunities in the media field with the participants.
Adem Solak highlighted the media's ethical responsibilities in combating violence and the principles of journalism that support public peace.
It was noted in the panel that media is not only a means of delivering news but also a tool that strengthens social consciousness and a culture of solidarity. Speakers emphasized the importance of media professionals guiding society with accurate and ethical news, noting that journalism is a force that enhances public welfare both in democratic processes and in daily life.
The New Face of Journalism in a Digitalizing World
In the panel “The New Face of Journalism in a Digitalizing World,” held within the seminar, the impact of digital transformation on journalism and the influence of technology on media ethics were explored. Mustafa Yüce evaluated the adaptation of traditional media structures to digital platforms, while Burak Torun shared with participants the use of artificial intelligence in news production processes and the ethical discussions surrounding this field.
M. Barbaros Koçanalı emphasized the importance of using social media with correct strategies in combating disinformation.
The unanimous opinion in the panel was that in the digital age, journalism is being reshaped not only by speed and technology but also by principles of accuracy, reliability, and ethical responsibility.
Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening accurate information production and responsible journalism on both traditional and digital platforms. The session, which featured a mutual exchange of ideas, once again highlighted the importance of informed, responsible journalism that prioritizes social welfare in the media world.
Journalism is the Key to Global Peace
At the conclusion of the seminar, it was noted that media is not merely a means of transmitting news, but a language of diplomacy that strengthens peace, understanding, and solidarity in the world.
The fifth seminar of the Global Journalism Council was evaluated as a step taken towards strengthening Turkey's position as a central country in media diplomacy.
