Roundup: SCO countries strengthen media cooperation amid digital transformation

BISHKEK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states called for strengthening media cooperation amid digital transformation at a forum held Friday in Kyrgyzstan.

Organized by Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy, the forum in the country's Issyk-Kul region aimed to deepen media cooperation, strengthen information partnerships and promote professional dialogue as the media industry undergoes rapid digital transformation.

Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ulan Mamatkanov said in his speech that the forum would consolidate efforts by SCO members in addressing information security threats, combating disinformation, and responding to other challenges of the digital era.

"While the modern information environment creates new opportunities, it also poses serious challenges. Protecting national interests and addressing cybersecurity threats require a responsible approach, close cooperation and joint solutions," Mamatkanov said.

SCO Deputy Secretary-General Oleg Kopylov highlighted the growing role of information in international relations and stressed the importance of proactively disseminating reliable information, noting that the SCO Secretariat continues to support the organization's public outreach through its official website and social media platforms.

Alireza Miryousefi, director general of the Department of Foreign Media at Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said media organizations in SCO member states should strengthen cooperation to share professional experience, disseminate verified information, counter politically motivated disinformation campaigns, and enhance media literacy.

Bringing together government officials, leading media outlets, digital platform representatives and experts from across the SCO, the forum featured three plenary sessions on media digitalization, the application of AI in journalism and the growing influence of digital platforms. Participants also discussed emerging challenges in the information sphere and prospects for future joint media projects. Enditem