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In a world increasingly challenged by information threats, Azerbaijan convened key stakeholders to address a growing concern highlighted in global risk assessments.
A high-profile public discussion on disinformation as a critical global and national security threat took place in Baku on January 21, 2026. The event, organized by the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum in partnership with the Media Development Agency and the Press Council of Azerbaijan, brought together media experts, civil society representatives, and government officials.
The discussion was prompted by findings from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report released earlier this month in Davos, which identified disinformation and fake news as one of the primary risks facing Azerbaijan in 2026, while also classifying them as serious global threats.
Ramil Iskandarli, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, opened the event by emphasizing the evolving nature of disinformation threats. “Disinformation has evolved into a systemic danger that targets not only the information sphere but also social stability, state-citizen relations, and democratic institutions,” Iskandarli stated. He underscored the vital role civil society must play in combating false information, noting that the WEF’s specific mention of Azerbaijan in its risk assessment served as a “serious warning signal” that prompted the forum to organize the discussion.
The Media Development Agency, represented by Deputy Executive Director Natiq Mammadli, highlighted how social media platforms have become primary channels for disinformation. While acknowledging the Azerbaijani government’s political will to combat these threats, Mammadli emphasized that “public vigilance, media literacy, and a high level of intellectual awareness within society remain the most effective tools in this struggle.”
Press Council Chairman Rashad Majid focused on professional standards, calling for strict adherence to the Code of Ethics for Azerbaijani Journalists. He stressed that journalism’s core mission of truth-telling and objectivity serves as a critical defense against disinformation and can set standards for social media content creators.
The event featured specialized sessions addressing different facets of the disinformation challenge. One session explored the emerging risks of AI-generated fake content and bot networks, with Mushfig Alasgarli of the Public Union for Support of Innovative Media Initiatives warning about sophisticated technological threats to information integrity.
Civil society’s role in promoting media literacy was explored by Umud Rahimoglu from the International Eurasia Press Fund and Jasarət Huseynzade of the Public Union for Support of Information and Social Initiatives, who discussed oversight mechanisms that NGOs can implement.
The geopolitical dimensions of information warfare were addressed by Zaur Ibrahimli, a board member of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, and Sanan Najafov from the Social Initiatives Center Public Union. Both speakers noted the expanding scope and evolving tactics of hybrid threats globally, with implications for Azerbaijan’s national security.
A significant portion of the discussion examined regional dynamics, with MP Azar Allahveranov, who serves as Secretary-General of the NGO Platform of Turkic States, calling for coordinated action across the Turkic world. Meanwhile, Fuad Karimov from the Secretariat of the Global South NGO Platform highlighted specific vulnerabilities in developing nations, where limited digital literacy, underrepresentation of local languages in AI systems, and technological gaps magnify the impact of disinformation campaigns.
The event concluded with a commitment from the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum to continue facilitating public discussions on critical societal issues, recognizing that the battle against disinformation requires ongoing vigilance and multistakeholder cooperation.
As Azerbaijan navigates complex regional dynamics and digital transformation, this gathering reflects growing recognition that information integrity has become a cornerstone of national security and social cohesion in the digital age.
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8 Comments
Disinformation is indeed a critical threat that requires concerted action. I’m interested to learn about the specific policy recommendations and initiatives that emerge from this high-profile discussion in Azerbaijan.
This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Reliable, fact-based information is essential for an informed public and functioning democracy. I hope the stakeholders in Azerbaijan can develop effective strategies to counter the spread of disinformation.
Yes, the growing prevalence of disinformation is very worrying. Robust media literacy and public awareness campaigns will likely be crucial components of any comprehensive solution.
Concerning to hear that disinformation is such a serious threat in Azerbaijan and globally. Protecting democratic institutions from manipulation is critical. I’m curious to learn more about the specific measures they plan to take to combat this challenge.
Agreed, disinformation can have far-reaching consequences. It will be interesting to see the policy recommendations that emerge from this discussion.
Kudos to Azerbaijan for convening this timely discussion on disinformation. As a major global threat, it requires coordinated, multi-stakeholder efforts to combat. I’m curious to hear the specific policy proposals that arise from this event.
The prominence of disinformation as a top risk for Azerbaijan and globally is quite concerning. Maintaining public trust in institutions and the integrity of information is vital. I hope this discussion leads to meaningful actions to address this challenge.
Agreed, disinformation undermines social cohesion and democratic processes. Proactive measures to strengthen media literacy and fact-checking will be essential.