Spokesman Report
Shusha, Azerbaijan : The H. E Sohail Mehmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization participated in the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on 13–14 July under the theme, “The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust.”
The international forum brought together approximately 160 prominent media leaders, senior government officials, academics, and communication professionals from more than 50 countries to discuss the evolving role of the media in an increasingly complex global information landscape.
Discussions focused on key issues shaping today’s media environment, including the impact of rapid technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation, and the responsibility of media organizations to promote accurate information, strengthen public trust, and contribute to peacebuilding.
The Secretary-General also participated in a three-hour high-level session with the President of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev, during which the President shared Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities and perspectives on major regional and international developments.
Following the session, the Secretary-General had the opportunity to briefly meet President Aliyev and expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s continued support and valuable contributions to the D-8 Organization since becoming a full member in 2025. He also acknowledged the President’s leadership in strengthening Azerbaijan’s engagement with the Organization.
The Secretary-General described the forum as a valuable platform for dialogue and international cooperation, highlighting the essential role of responsible journalism and credible media in fostering peace, rebuilding trust, and addressing the challenges of the modern information age.
