November 22, Saturday
10:00
Hyatt Regency
Ismoili Somoni, 26/1
Digital Media
Forum ’25
Join the Digital Media Forum to explore the latest trends in digital media with student journalists, bloggers and digital innovators from Tajikistan and abroad. From AI in the newsroom and storytelling to fact-checking and digital security, this Forum will give you an exclusive access to the future of media. The Digital Media Forum is where creativity meets technology and truth always matters. Be part of a new generation of digital media influencers!

Attendance is by registration only. Spots are limited.
Digital Media Forum Program
22 November 2025
10:00 – 10:30
BALLROOM
10:00 – 10:30
BALLROOM
Registration
10:30 – 11:00
BALLROOM
10:30 – 11:00
BALLROOM
Opening remarks
Ms.Tatiana Turcan, Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe
Mr. Masrur Nazari, Deputy Chair of the AI Council under the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan
Mr. Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative
Mr. İbrahim Ethem Ünal, TİKA Programme Coordinator
Mr. Matthieu Colet, Attaché of the French Embassy (speaking on behalf of French, German and UK Embassies)
Mr. Ozodkhon Davlatshoev, Tcell CEO
11:00 – 11:30
BALLROOM
11:00 – 11:30
BALLROOM
Coffee-break
11:30 – 11:55
BALLROOM
11:30 – 11:55
BALLROOM
Communication as part of culture. Storytelling as a tool to attract audience
Alina Valamatzade, Asia-Plus News Agency, Journalist (Tajikistan)

This session will explore how storytelling can become a powerful tool to engage and inspire audiences. The presentation will show practical ways to turn complex topics into interesting and compelling stories and highlight how digital media can strengthen the connection between creators and their audiences.
12:00 – 12:25
BALLROOM
12:00 – 12:25
BALLROOM
Digital media, AI in the newsroom: tools and ethics
Efe Özkan, Anadolu Agency, journalist (Türkiye)
12:35 – 13:00
BALLROOM
12:35 – 13:00
BALLROOM
How to scroll and share smartly in the age of AI and deepfakes
Shahodat Saibnazarova, Factcheck.tj, Founde; Associate Professor, Russian-Tajik Slavonic University (Tajikistan)

Duman Smakov, Factcheck.kz, Editor-in-Chief (Kazakhstan)

The session will explore various forms of disinformation – including deepfakes, fake news articles, and manipulated images – and provide practical tools for identifying them. Participants will also examine the impact of such content and how it is used across different contexts. In addition, the sessions will focus on building critical media literacy skills to help participants navigate and assess AI-generated content responsibly.
13:00 – 14:00
BALLROOM
13:00 – 14:00
BALLROOM
Lunch
14:00 – 14:25
BALLROOM
14:00 – 14:25
BALLROOM
Giving voice to women journalists
Amie Ferris-Rotman, Global News Editor at New Lines Magazine (United Kingdom)

This presentation takes a look at the journey of women in journalism. Through data, visuals and her personal story, Amie Ferris-Rotman will explore both the challenges and the triumphs women face in the media industry worldwide.
14:30 – 14:55
BALLROOM
14:30 – 14:55
BALLROOM
Safe and effective use of AI
Rustam Gulov, AI integration expert (Tajikistan)

The session will explore how artificial intelligence can be used consciously, responsibly and effectively in professional activities. Emphasis will be placed on the role of AI as a supportive tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the work of journalists and young professionals.
15:00 – 15:25
BALLROOM
15:00 – 15:25
BALLROOM
Protecting your voice, privacy and credibility and in the digital jungle
Ranzhet Yatimov, Khoma, Media Lawyer Digital Rights Expert (Tajikistan)
Gulmira Birzhanova, Media Qoldau Legal Service Head (Kazakhstan)

In the age of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, protecting your digital identity has never been more important. This session will explore how journalists and bloggers can safeguard their content, privacy and reputation online. Experts will discuss key aspects of copyright, digital media laws and practical strategies for staying legally and ethically secure while navigating today’s complex digital environment.
15:30 – 15:45
BALLROOM
15:30 – 15:45
BALLROOM
Concluding remarks
Hurinisso Alizoda, Chairwoman, Tajik Media Council
15:50 – 16:20
BALLROOM
15:50 – 16:20
BALLROOM
Coffee-break
17:30 – 17:40
BALLROOM
17:30 – 17:40
BALLROOM
Tribute to Farrukh Safarzoda
Humo Bank Art Director and former Digital Design Expert at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe
17:40 – 18:10
BALLROOM
17:40 – 18:10
BALLROOM
Performance by Daler Nazarov, a renowned Tajik music maestro
15:00 – 15:25
ISTANBUL
15:00 – 15:25
ISTANBUL
How to develop media outlets not only through grants but also through self-sustained sales: ways to commercialize media
Jamolitdin Nuritdinov, Product Marketing Specialist, Business Consultant (Tajikistan)

In this session, journalists will learn firsthand which business development strategies are applicable to media and how they can be implemented.
16:20 – 16:50
ISTANBUL
16:20 – 16:50
ISTANBUL
Master class: Content people love: How to turn ideas into viral posts
Nargis Kasymova, Blogger (Tajikistan)

During the master class, participants will learn how to promote their blog and attract an audience.
17:00 – 17:30
ISTANBUL
17:00 – 17:30
ISTANBUL
Master class: Disinformation detox: factchecking tools for smart digital users
Duman Smakov, Factcheck.kz, Editor-in-Chief (Kazakhstan)

Whether you are a journalist or a blogger, this workshop will help you develop skills to sort fact from fiction. The hands-on session will explore cutting-edge tools and techniques to verify news, images and videos - and spot AI-generated deepfakes like a pro.
12:35 – 13:00
BRUSSEL
12:35 – 13:00
BRUSSEL
Online protection, safety, and prevention of cyber-bullying
Tinatini Tsertsvadze, UNICEF Chief of Child Protection (Tajikistan)

The session will outline best practise for young people on how to stay safe online, and make recommendations for how the Government of Tajikistan can also increase online protection and awareness for children and young people.

14:30 – 14:55
BRUSSEL
14:30 – 14:55
BRUSSEL
How to move from traditional journalism to blogging, or transform your blog into a media platform
Nargis Kasymova, Blogger (Tajikistan)

The title of this session speaks for itself. It will focus on the speaker’s personal story and her perspective on what it means to be a successful and ethical blogger in the digital world.
16:20 – 16:50
BRUSSEL
16:20 – 16:50
BRUSSEL
Master class: AI for bloggers and journalists - tools for responsible use

Rustam Gulov, AI Integration Specialist (Tajikistan)

During the master class, participants will dive into the practical use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and blogging. It will explore how AI is transforming news production, what opportunities it opens, and what risks it introduces. It will also provide you hands-on experience with modern tools for generating text, images, audio, and video, and will also learn how to automate content creation and publication.
17:00 – 17:30
BRUSSEL
17:00 – 17:30
BRUSSEL
Master class: Working better with AI in your newsroom
Amie Ferris-Rotman, Global News Editor at New Lines Magazine (United Kingdom)

Drawing on her experience as Global News Editor at New Lines Magazine, Amie Ferris Rotman, will share her experience of how journalists and editors can best utilize artificial intelligence in the newsroom. She will share strategies for identifying AI-generated content that is pitched and delivered to the newsroom and how to combat the sexist nature of AI.
Forum speakers
Participation by registration only. Registration for the Forum is closed.
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