The "Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation" organised by the Directorate of Communications has kicked off.
Attending the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation, held by the Directorate of Communications in Ankara, were Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) Ömer Kocaman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ahmad Ismayilov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Kanat Iskakov, Vice-Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Tagayev and Director of the Centre for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Kobuljon Akhmedov.
In his opening remarks, OTS Deputy Secretary General Kocaman expressed his congratulations on the occasion of the 15 December World Turkic Language Family Day, emphasising, "This special day, recently proclaimed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), serves as a reminder of the profound richness and significance of our linguistic heritage, which forms the foundation of our common identity."
Kocaman said that information and knowledge, which shape public opinion and influence decision-making processes, have evolved into a strategic asset, adding, "For the Turkic States, this particular field holds significant importance for us. Our common history, strong cultural ties, and shared values require us to engage in closer collaboration in the areas of media and information."
Kocaman emphasised that digital transformation presents considerable opportunities within the field of information, arguing that new communication technologies facilitate broader audience engagement and enhance the global visibility of the Turkic World.
Pointing out that disinformation, cyber manipulation, and false news are on the rise, Kocaman highlighted the significance of coordinated action to effectively address these threats. Kocaman said that the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation offers a platform for parties to exchange experiences and implement tangible actions, emphasising that the forum builds upon efforts made in the media sector in previous years.
Information is part of Turkish Cypriots' existential struggle
"For the Turkish Cypriot people, media and information are not merely abstract concepts but an integral part of our collective memory, our existential struggle, and our legitimate rights," stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC, Ertuğruloğlu, emphasising how the media functions as a strategic platform for the active defence of the sovereignty and identity of the TRNC.
Ertuğruloğlu reflected on the efforts to silence the communication channels of the Turkish Cypriot people during the 1960s and 1970s, noting that Bayrak Radio, established with limited resources in December 1963, provided hope, unity, and resilience to the people.
Noting that the Bayrak Radio and Television Corporation (BRT) and the Turkish News Agency-Cyprus (TAK) continue to uphold their historic responsibilities, Ertuğruloğlu underscored that these efforts represent a vital element of the broader pursuit to safeguard legitimate and inherent rights.
Pointing out the resilience of the Turkish Cypriot people in defending their rightful cause, despite enduring decades of inhumane isolation and imposed embargoes, Ertuğruloğlu reiterated that a just, lasting, and sustainable solution can only be achieved through a two-state model based on sovereign equality and equal international status.
Ertuğruloğlu stressed that acknowledging the current reality on the island and the existence of two sovereign, equal states is indispensable for establishing stability and security both on the island and across the region. He added that the Turkish Cypriot people are excluded from international media platforms, where they either appear through one-sided and distorted narratives or are rendered invisible. Drawing attention to the instrumentalisation of disinformation, which leads to the systematic distortion of realities on the island, Ertuğruloğlu went on to say:
"This situation goes beyond a political dispute and represents a severe and unacceptable violation of international law and universal human rights principles. Therefore, enhancing the visibility of the TRNC in regional and international media and information mechanisms, especially within the OTS, is a matter of delivering long-overdue recognition of a legitimate right."
Ertuğruloğlu said that the strong stance demonstrated under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reassured the Turkish Cypriot people that they are not alone, adding that the solidarity shown by fellow Turkic States has been a source of strength for them. Noting that the TRNC’s admission to the OTS as an observer member in 2022 represented a concrete expression of solidarity, Ertuğruloğlu said:
"Through collective action, we can amplify the voice of truth and ensure fair and accurate global representation for every part of the Turkic World. Only coordinated action can eliminate threats like disinformation, manipulation, and digital propaganda in today's world. As the TRNC, we are prepared to make an active contribution to these efforts, share our experience and participate in joint projects."
Solidarity against disinformation in the Turkic World
Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ahmad Ismayilov, said the forum had brought participants together to address an increasingly pressing issue, adding, "Sustainable models to combat disinformation are strategically important for our countries’ media ecosystems."
Ismayilov noted that anyone, including citizens of Turkic States, could become a target of disinformation waves, stressing that beyond media manipulation, technological advances also enable misinformation to spread quickly.
Warning that as the geopolitical activities of Turkic States situated in volatile regions intensify, the wave of disinformation also grows, Ismayilov stated, "This trend is a shared challenge, and addressing it depends directly on strengthening societal resilience as well as our joint efforts and solidarity."
Ismayilov noted that disinformation in Azerbaijan has become more evident and is aimed at creating instability and assessed that professional media bears responsibility for eliminating these harmful trends.
Ismayilov recalled that at the global media forums organised in Shusha, Azerbaijan, they held in-depth discussions on the future of media in the digital age with leading media figures and experts from across the world and added that the fight against disinformation is consistently on the agenda within the Türkiye–Azerbaijan joint media platform as well as in joint forums organised with other Turkic States.
Proposal to improve digital literacy
Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Iskakov also noted that the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation enables Turkic States to take joint action against disinformation.
Pointing to the sharp rise in disinformation recently driven by the rapid expansion of social networks and artificial intelligence technologies, Iskakov stressed that this trend necessitates a joint struggle.
Iskakov said that the use of media for manipulation is on the rise and that deepfake techniques in disinformation campaigns are becoming more advanced, adding, "All of this calls on governments to invest in developing digital literacy, reinforcing analytical capacity, and building effective response mechanisms."
Stating that fighting disinformation is a priority in Kazakhstan’s state policy, Iskakov noted that alongside digital communication, initiatives are underway to strengthen media literacy and establish legal regulations for online platforms.
Iskakov proposed creating a platform to monitor disinformation, carrying out regular research on the evolution of network analysis, and cooperating in the training of next-generation journalists, stressing that by uniting efforts among OTS members and observer countries, an effective response to contemporary information challenges can be achieved.
"We believe that the forum is an important initiative"
Vice-Minister of Culture and Information of the Kyrgyz Republic Tagayev also stated, "Today, it is a great honour for us to be in Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Türkiye, which holds a significant role in shaping the political, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the Turkic World."
Noting that in an era of rapidly advancing digital technologies and fast-spreading information, media literacy, information security, and combating disinformation are pressing issues, Tagayev added, "These challenges go beyond national borders and demand collective, coordinated, and methodical solutions. Therefore, we believe that organising this forum is a timely and strategically important initiative."
Tagayev emphasised that the forum has gained particular significance following the declaration signed at the 7th Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Officials in Charge of Media and Information of the OTS, which took place in Baku, noting how it reflects the member states’ collective commitment to enhancing cooperation in media and information, coordinating efforts to combat disinformation, and promoting professional ethics and responsibility within the media.
The Vice-Minister described the meeting as a key strategic step in enhancing communication and media collaboration across the Turkic World, stating, "Kyrgyzstan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the goals and principles of the OTS and its readiness to actively participate in implementing the initiatives launched."
Tagayev stressed that the forum’s outcomes would significantly help build trust among Turkic-speaking countries, advance joint media practices, and establish a stable information environment for the future of the Turkic World, while affirming their readiness to actively engage in collaborative initiatives to enhance information cooperation and promote media literacy in line with the Turkic World’s interests.
"Producing quality media content is the most effective tool against disinformation"
Director of the Centre for the Production of Content for Mass Media of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Akhmedov went on to remark that the forum would serve not only as a platform for exchanging ideas but also for developing common approaches to information security and high-quality content production across the Turkic World.
Akhmedov stated that disinformation remains a significant concern for all countries and highlighted that Uzbekistan has been driving transformations to create an open information environment and produce quality media content. Ahkmedov added:
"We believe that the fight against disinformation should focus not on imposing restrictions but on promoting professional journalism, producing high-quality media content, and fostering critical thinking within society. Creating high-quality media content and cultivating the ability to perceive information consciously, critically, and responsibly is the most effective means of combating disinformation."
Emphasising their belief that exchanging information and experiences among Turkic States, coordinating joint efforts, and fostering cooperation among journalists are crucial in combating disinformation, Director Ahkmedov stated that this forum will lay a strong foundation for new initiatives and long-term collaborations in these fields.
Ahkmedov added that Uzbekistan is ready to support all initiatives aimed at further enhancing cooperation in information and communication within the OTS framework, implementing joint projects, and consolidating trust in the common information sphere.
