Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran delivered a speech at NEXT TRT 2026, organised for the fifth time this year by TRT and bringing together young journalists, academics, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives.
In his speech, Head of Communications Duran thanked TRT for organising an event that encourages young people from different countries to remain engaged in dialogue and to think and debate about shaping the future.
Stating that the new world causes a certain degree of anxiety for everyone and that such concerns are not unfounded, Head of Communications Duran addressed the youth, saying: “What I do know is that this world will be your world. The world of middle-aged people like us will gradually be handed over to you.”
Head of Communications Duran noted that the US-based technology company Palantir Technologies had published a 22-point manifesto and read out several of its articles. Pointing out that the manifesto contains statements about where technology is heading and the current and future role of technology companies in shaping society and influencing perceptions of the world, Head of Communications Duran said: “Within these 22 articles are statements describing how the United States will reposition itself, how technology companies and the state will become increasingly intertwined, and how the capabilities of technology companies will be mobilised for military and geopolitical superiority. This is certainly not a novel concept. We know that technology has often advanced through wars. But now, as wars advance technology, technology, in turn, is reinforcing wars. We are living in a world where this has truly turned into a rapidly accelerating spiral.”
Head of Communications Duran underlined that technology companies no longer merely provide people with certain platforms and applications but have also become highly influential actors that shape narratives and exercise control over individuals. He added that people are already aware, through algorithms, filters and echo chambers, that such software is far from innocent.
“Will we also let ChatGPT make decisions that ought to remain uniquely human?”
Referring to the growing tendency of people to provide certain information to artificial intelligence systems and ask, “How should I make my decision?" Head of Communications Duran said, "Drawing on data and using these technologies, you can practise medicine far more effectively and produce much better products. But will we also let ChatGPT make decisions that ought to remain uniquely human? This is a crucial issue.”
Head of Communications, Duran continued his remarks:
“By implanting a chip, we may one day be able to learn dozens of languages with ease. This is where we are heading. But will the mind into which those chips are implanted still belong to us? Where will our consciousness be? Or, to go even further, where will our conscience be?” We are now moving toward a world in which we will have to ask these major questions. From this perspective, of course, there should be a certain degree of concern, yet productivity emerges where concern and hope coexist. We believe we are entering a period in which better things will happen, with people’s health and opportunities improving. That is the encouraging part."
Head of Communications Duran noted that throughout history, the concepts and narratives circulating in people’s minds were shaped by poets, preachers, priests, ideologues, academics, and intellectuals and asked, "So, who will shape the narrative in today’s world? The tech companies?"
Emphasising that confronting digitalisation and the new world requires taking positions on many issues and ultimately acting upon them, Head of Communications Duran said, "We should not let ourselves become lost in the current, drifting from one side to another through algorithms whose direction we do not even understand. From this perspective, I hope that the emerging world will be shaped by your actions and your willingness to take ownership of it. I would not want it to become a world shaped by technology companies, driven by claims of superiority built on narrowly defined national interests. In this regard, you will be living in a far more challenging world."
Stating that an international struggle lies immediately behind technological rivalry, Head of Communications Duran said that the world is now confronted with a multipolar order and that the United States is striving to maintain its position in a way that preserves its technological superiority and hegemony.
"We must not become semi-mechanised human beings whose minds are under control"
Head of Communications Duran stated that controlling the public through technology companies has now become much easier, adding, "We must recognise this reality. In a sense, this is humanity’s struggle for freedom. From this perspective, just as we assume that in the Middle Ages there may have been people whose bodies were enslaved while their minds remained free, today we must avoid becoming semi-mechanised human beings who believe themselves to be free while their minds are actually under control."
Explaining that the United States does not wish to relinquish its dominance in technology while China seeks to overtake that position, Head of Communications Duran said: "Countries such as Türkiye, which may appear medium-sized but have meaningful messages to offer the world, must step forward and have a say in shaping the future of the world. It is not enough merely to speak; action is also required. In this context, the vision introduced by President Erdoğan with the phrase 'The world is bigger than five' and later through the motto 'A fairer world is possible' is not merely rhetoric. For us, it represents an area in which we contribute to numerous crises across different regions through the capacities we share, through concrete action, and through our efforts to help shape the future.”
Head of Communications Duran emphasised that Türkiye takes use of all means and capabilities at its disposal to prevent injustice and uphold justice and said:
"This is precisely what underpins Türkiye’s approach in its relations with Libya, Karabakh, Syria and many countries in Africa. From this standpoint, I cannot offer my views without referring to the genocide in Gaza. What has unfolded in Gaza has shown us two things. One was the stark reality that exposed the falsehood of those who claim that world politics is guided by values, revealing how readily they cast everything aside when certain countries are concerned. This marked the final nail in the coffin of the so-called liberal values championed by the West. The second aspect we witnessed during the genocide in Gaza was a response that gave all of us hope and inspired optimism for the future. Today, support for Palestine in the United States has outpaced support for Israel. We have all witnessed the reaction across Europe, particularly among the societies that should have been most compelled to respond to Israel.
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran stated that, as the Directorate of Communications, they have made a sustained effort to safeguard the truth, noting that this work has been carried out through the Centre for Countering Disinformation. He also stated that, through CIMER, they are working to convey citizens' demands in Türkiye to public institutions and to ensure those demands are addressed.
Furthermore, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, shared a post on his NSosyal account regarding the event.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran said:
"Today, at the NEXT TRT 2026 programme, we gathered with young people to address the global system's transition, the novel challenges posed by the digital era, and Türkiye's communications vision. The passion, energy and ideas of young people further bolster our optimism for the future.
The world is going through a critical time characterised by uncertainty, crises, power struggles, and complex shifts. Technology, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation have far-reaching consequences not only for communication but also for politics, the economy, and social structures.
Digital literacy is critical in this day and age, as the border between fact and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred.
As the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, we regard building a truth-based communication ecosystem, strengthening the fight against disinformation, and enhancing our youth's digital awareness as among our foremost priorities.
Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye continues to stand on the side of truth, justice and the conscience of humanity. Our country is promoting a strong vision in various fields, including diplomacy, technology, communications, and humanitarian aid. Media outlets, especially TRT and Anadolu Agency, also continue to serve as the voice of truth in conflict zones.
In light of this, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped organise NEXT TRT 2026 and my sincere congratulations to all of the young people who contributed to the programme."
