BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. A forum dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the national press was held within the framework of joint cooperation between the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) and Azerconnect Group on the theme "Media of the Future: Following in the Footsteps of 'Akinchi,' Trend reports.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by Emil Masimov, CEO of Azerconnect Group; Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency; and Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Press Council.
The forum commemorates 150 years of Azerbaijani media, inspired by the principles set forth by the Akinchi newspaper. Its goal is to foster professional skills in digital media, explore the future of journalism, and emphasize the important role of youth in this process. The event also aims to deepen young people’s understanding of evolving media realities, encourage their active participation in content creation, and provide networking opportunities with experienced media professionals. Additionally, it seeks to boost workforce development and create more employment opportunities in the media field.
About 100 students studying journalism and communication, as well as others interested in media, will take part. The program includes panel discussions, training sessions, and face-to-face meetings with media experts on topics such as media history, education, career prospects, and the use of innovation and technology in media.
Key highlights include a panel titled "A Vision for the Media of the Future: Journalism as the Profession of Tomorrow" and one-on-one sessions called "Media Professionalism and Next-Generation Journalism."
The forum also featured training on "Employment Opportunities for Youth in Modern Media" and "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism."
Finally, gifts were presented to 40 young people who actively participated in the training and networking meetings, as well as to those who scored the highest points in the upcoming “quiz”.
In his speech, Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, noted that the idea to organize a major youth-focused forum as part of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s national press was no coincidence.
He noted that Hasan Bey Zardabi, the founder of Azerbaijan’s national press, first came up with the idea to launch a newspaper in his youth, and, after many attempts, was only able to bring it to life in 1875.
“All the pioneers of Azerbaijan’s national media - Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Ahmad bey Agayev, Ali bey Huseynzadeh, Uzeyir and Jeyhun Hajibeyli, and many other prominent intellectuals whose names we recall with pride - took their first steps in journalism at a young age,” Ismayilov said.
“Despite the challenges and barriers of their time, they achieved their goals. Those who shaped the 150-year history of our press were among the first enlightened youth of Azerbaijan. Today we speak of that rich legacy, but we must remember - it was a legacy built by young people. And now, as a natural continuation, the next generation must carry that legacy forward,” he added.
Ismayilov also emphasized that while the times have changed, and today’s youth live in an independent Azerbaijan, their role remains just as vital.
Furthermore, the General Director of Azerconnect Group, Emil Masimov, stated at the meeting that we have always supported such initiatives as part of our corporate social responsibility. However, this is the first time we have held an event in a more serious and useful format together with an organization that unites media industry professionals.
The Director General recalled that the Akinchi newspaper laid the foundation of Azerbaijan's national press:
"This newspaper, established on the initiative of Hasan Bey Zardabi, served such purposes as preservation and propaganda of our national cultural values. Even today, various institutions and media professionals continue to work towards achieving this goal."
Masimov emphasized that this event is not just a reporting event:
"Based on my knowledge and observations, I can say that young people participating here have excellent opportunities on this platform to communicate with media professionals, expand their knowledge, and work successfully in the digital media environment.
''Over the 20 years of my professional life, I have clearly seen how the influence of the mass media has grown and what role they play in shaping national and cultural values.
During the years of the 44-day Second Karabakh War and the information war, media representatives were on the front line defending the interests of our state. The media also played an important role in preventing biased campaigns during international events,” he noted.
He added that today, the media is going through a period of major transformation:
"Thanks to social media and online platforms, everyone has access to a wide audience. But this also increases responsibility. Although these platforms are not considered media, their impact on a wide audience requires responsibility. And the driving force behind this transformation is, of course, the young people who are here today."
The effective utilization of technological advances should be the priority of each of us. However, professional ethics and journalistic principles must always be taken into account in this process. There will always be a need for professional journalism. “Experts in the field are important for shaping public opinion and presenting conceptual approaches,” he added.
