Turkistan: The Muslim Council of Elders, through its Regional Office in Central Asia, organised a high-level panel discussion titled 'Media and Peace Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence' in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan. The event brought together government officials, academics, and experts in media and digital technologies as part of the Council's ongoing efforts to promote peace and entrench ethical standards in media practice in the digital era.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was held in cooperation with the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Center for Interreligious and Interdenominational Dialogue, and Khoja Ahmed Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University. The session opened with remarks by Darkhan Kydyrali, member of the Kazakh Senate and General Supervisor of the Muslim Council of Elders' Regional Office in Central Asia, who conveyed congratulations from Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate. Kydyrali highlighted the symbolic importance of hosting the gathering in Turkistan, a city known for its historical association with peace and cultural dialogue.
Yertai Alataev, Deputy Governor of Turkistan Region, welcomed participants and noted the transformative impact of digital technology on the media landscape, emphasizing the role of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University as a center for technological development and AI training. Professor Janar Temirbekova, Rector of the university, stressed the alignment of the session's theme with academic disciplines, highlighting ongoing AI projects and the training of responsible media professionals.
Nazhi Gench, representing the Acting Rector, compared modern technology to an unpredictable force, advocating for management of its risks. Abdul Naeem Syed Mohammed, Head of the Muslim Council of Elders' Regional Office, reiterated the Council's commitment to peace, media ethics, and combating hate speech. Zhanna Gul Tolymis, Advisor to the Minister of Education, discussed the 'Children of Kazakhstan Online' initiative, focusing on digital literacy and media education for children.
Professor Beruni Alimov from Uzbekistan State University of World Languages addressed ethical challenges posed by AI in media, emphasizing transparency standards and responsible practices. Erlan Zhunis, Editor-in-Chief of Ana Tili newspaper, noted the societal reflection in social media content, stressing collective responsibility for a positive information environment.
Participants underscored the need for collaboration among media, academic, and religious institutions to develop tools for peace journalism, counter digital misinformation, and promote coexistence and human respect within communities.