Baku Hosts International Roundtable on Combating Disinformation and Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – In a world increasingly reliant on social media for information, the battle against disinformation has become paramount. This was the central theme of an international roundtable held in Baku, Azerbaijan, titled "The Role of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy: The Example of Azerbaijan and Türkiye." The event brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, and media experts to discuss the growing challenges posed by disinformation and explore strategies for effective public diplomacy in the digital age.
Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the urgent need to address the spread of false and misleading information. He emphasized that social media, while offering unprecedented opportunities for communication, has also become a breeding ground for disinformation campaigns, often with detrimental consequences for international relations and domestic stability. Oktay noted that Azerbaijan, in particular, has been subjected to intense and often malicious disinformation campaigns, especially in the context of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Oktay strongly condemned the recent resolution passed by the French parliament concerning the 2020 conflict, which he described as containing false accusations against Azerbaijan and misrepresenting the historical and legal context of the dispute. He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and its efforts to counter disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining its sovereignty. He called for greater international cooperation to combat disinformation and promote accurate and balanced reporting on the complex geopolitical issues facing the region.
The roundtable participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the various aspects of disinformation, including its sources, dissemination methods, and impact on public opinion. They explored the role of parliaments in countering disinformation through legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and international collaborations. Experts emphasized the importance of media literacy education to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern credible information from fabricated narratives.
The discussions also highlighted the crucial role of public diplomacy in shaping international perceptions and fostering mutual understanding between nations. Participants shared best practices and innovative approaches to public diplomacy, emphasizing the need to leverage digital platforms and engage with diverse audiences across borders. The roundtable served as a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives and strengthening collaboration among parliamentarians and stakeholders involved in public diplomacy.
The event concluded with a call for concerted international action to address the growing threat of disinformation and promote responsible use of social media platforms. Participants emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies in combating the spread of false information. They also stressed the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation among governments, civil society organizations, and media outlets to build a more resilient information ecosystem and protect democratic values in the digital age. The roundtable underscored the critical role of parliaments in leading this global effort and ensuring that public diplomacy remains an effective tool for promoting peace, stability, and international understanding. The participants expressed their commitment to working together to address these challenges and build a more informed and interconnected world.