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Turkic States Unite to Combat Disinformation at Ankara Forum
Officials and media leaders from Turkic states gathered in Ankara on December 18-19, 2025, for a landmark forum aimed at strengthening cooperation against disinformation and deepening coordination in the information sphere. The two-day event, hosted by the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, brought together high-level representatives from across the Turkic world.
The forum served as a strategic platform for addressing the growing challenge of misinformation in an increasingly digital media landscape. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) participated in the discussions.
Prof. Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, welcomed delegates with opening remarks that set the tone for the collaborative sessions. Other keynote speakers included Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency; Kanat Iskakov, Vice Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan; and Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan was represented by Kobuljon Akhmedov, Director of the Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the presidential administration, while Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, also addressed the gathering.
Dr. Ömer Kocaman, Deputy Secretary General of the OTS, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action among Turkic states. “In today’s digital age, disinformation poses a significant threat to our societies and to the bonds between our nations,” Dr. Kocaman stated during his address. He emphasized that the forum builds directly on progress made during the 7th OTS Meeting on Media and Information previously held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event featured focused panel discussions, including one titled “Turkic Media’s Role in Building a Common Future,” which explored how media institutions can help preserve cultural heritage while strengthening political, economic, and social connections among Turkic nations. Panelists noted with concern the rise of anti-Turkic and anti-Islamic narratives in global information spaces, which they identified as particularly damaging to intercultural trust and cooperation.
Media experts at the forum advocated for the creation of a shared information ecosystem with common professional standards and ethics. Several speakers pointed to the potential for technological collaboration across borders, including joint digital platforms and content exchange mechanisms that could amplify authentic Turkic voices on the global stage.
The forum comes at a critical time when the Turkic region faces evolving information security challenges. Recent years have seen growing recognition among OTS member states that coordinated approaches to media literacy and fact-checking are essential for maintaining social cohesion and protecting democratic institutions.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized practical avenues for cooperation, including professional exchanges, joint training programs for journalists, and shared technological resources to identify and counter false narratives. The forum also addressed the need for balanced regulatory frameworks that combat harmful content while preserving freedom of expression.
The Ankara meeting represents a significant step forward in the OTS’s broader agenda of deepening integration among its member states. The organization, formerly known as the Turkic Council, has expanded its focus in recent years to include media cooperation as a strategic priority, recognizing the role of information in shaping regional identity and international perceptions.
As the forum concluded, participants agreed to establish working groups to implement key recommendations and prepare for follow-up activities in 2026. This concrete outcome signals a move beyond rhetorical commitments toward actionable collaboration in the information sphere among Turkic nations.
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16 Comments
This forum provides a valuable platform for Turkic states to address a critical issue that transcends borders. Curious to see what concrete steps emerge from the discussions.
Me too. Developing shared frameworks and coordinating media literacy efforts could be productive starting points for the participating nations.
Combating disinformation requires a comprehensive, sustained effort. I hope this forum leads to meaningful, long-term initiatives across the Turkic world.
Same here. Addressing the root causes and developing resilient information ecosystems should be key objectives for this regional collaboration.
Disinformation is a global challenge, so it’s encouraging to see regional bodies like the OTS taking a leadership role. A unified, multilateral approach is essential for success.
Absolutely. Strengthening information resilience at the national and transnational levels will be key to combating the spread of false and misleading content.
The growing digital landscape has amplified disinformation challenges worldwide. It’s heartening to see these countries prioritizing cooperation to counter this threat.
Agreed. An integrated, multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, tech companies, and civil society will be essential for effective solutions.
Glad to see Turkic states taking a proactive stance against disinformation. Coordinating efforts across the region is key to combating the spread of false narratives in the digital age.
Agreed. Sharing best practices and fostering cross-border collaboration will be crucial for these nations to effectively counter malicious information campaigns.
Kudos to the Turkic states for convening this important forum. Developing a unified, strategic approach to counter disinformation is critical in today’s digital landscape.
Agreed. Fostering media literacy, strengthening fact-checking mechanisms, and enhancing cross-border cooperation will be key elements of an effective regional response.
Misinformation erodes public trust and undermines democratic discourse. This forum is a positive step, but tackling disinformation will be an ongoing challenge.
Absolutely. Continued vigilance, innovation, and a shared commitment to truth will be necessary to safeguard information integrity in the Turkic region and beyond.
This forum represents a timely and necessary initiative. Disinformation has become a pressing global issue, and I’m glad to see Turkic nations taking concerted action.
Absolutely. A collaborative, multifaceted strategy will be essential for these countries to build resilience against the spread of false and misleading information.