Muslim Council Of Elders Organises Panel Discussion On Media Ethics And Peace Journalism In Kazakhstan

The Muslim Council of Elders recently organised a panel discussion titled "Media and Peace Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" in Turkistan, Kazakhstan. This event aimed to promote peace and uphold ethical media standards in the digital age. It was held in collaboration with the Kazakh Senate, the International Center for Interreligious Dialogue, and Khoja Ahmed Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University.

Yertai Alataev, Deputy Governor of Turkistan Region, welcomed attendees by highlighting how digital transformation has reshaped media. He noted that Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University is now a hub for technological development and AI training. The university's journalism department plays a crucial role in preparing professionals for the evolving media landscape.

Abdul Naeem Syed Mohammed, Head of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Regional Office in Central Asia, stated that organising this session demonstrates the Council’s dedication to promoting peace and media ethics. The aim is to combat hate speech and foster a responsible media environment within the region.

Professor Janar Temirbekova, Rector of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University, explained that the session’s theme aligns with various academic disciplines at the university. She mentioned that their Faculty of Engineering is working on advanced AI projects while their journalism department focuses on responsible media practices. This reflects Khoja Akhmet Yassawi's spiritual legacy.

Zhanna Gul Tolymis, Advisor to the Minister of Education, discussed protecting children online through the "Children of Kazakhstan Online" initiative. She emphasised digital literacy and media education as crucial components for safeguarding young users in today's digital world.

Erlan Zhunis, Editor-in-Chief of Ana Tili newspaper, observed that social media content mirrors society. With everyone now part of the media space as either producers or consumers, there is a collective responsibility to cultivate a positive information environment.

AI's Role in Media

Professor Beruni Alimov from Uzbekistan State University addressed AI's ethical challenges in media. He highlighted AI's ability to quickly detect misinformation and reviewed efforts to develop transparency standards and responsible practices. Uzbekistan is making progress towards a national media literacy strategy.

Nazhi Gench, representing the Acting Rector, compared modern technology to an unpredictable child. He stressed that religion, law, and social sciences must guide technological progress rather than halt it. Such gatherings are vital for raising youth awareness about managing technology's risks.

Promoting Peace Journalism

The event began with remarks from Darkhan Kydyrali, a Kazakh Senate member and General Supervisor of the Muslim Council’s Regional Office. He conveyed congratulations from Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate. Kydyrali emphasised Turkistan's symbolic importance as it originated "the language of goodness and peace – the language of Yassawi."

Participants underscored strengthening cooperation among media, academic, and religious institutions as essential for supporting peace journalism. They advocated developing practical tools to counter digital misinformation while entrenching coexistence values within communities.

This gathering highlighted how peace journalism addresses social issues responsibly while warning against misinformation dangers in AI's era. Such discussions are crucial for fostering understanding among diverse groups and promoting ethical standards across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM