Astana, 16 April 2025 - Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Ambassador Kairat Sarybay took part in the plenary session “Global Media: Shaping the Information Landscape of the Future” of the II Central Asian Media Forum held in Astana.
The Forum convened around 700 participants, including over 30 speakers and leading international media experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as from Russia, the United Kingdom, China and other countries. During the discussions, the participants explored prospects for cooperation among Central Asian media, the development of the global media environment, the shaping of the future information landscape, the digital transformation of the industry amid rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence and big data, as well as the role of social media in promoting national image.
In his statement, the Secretary General noted that in the context of geopolitical instability and environmental and technological challenges, the media are becoming not just a channel for transmitting information, but a full-fledged participant in international dialogue and a vital instrument of a new-generation diplomacy. He emphasized the special role of the media in reporting on the activities of international organizations, including the UN and CICA, whose agendas cover the key issues of security, sustainable development and regional interaction. Particular attention was given to the importance of impartial and professional coverage of the work of such organizations, as it serves as a basis for building public trust and raising awareness of the activities of multilateral entities.
Ambassador Sarybay highlighted the consolidation processes in Central Asia and its growing agency in international relations, underlining the region's key contribution to shaping a collective security system in Asia. He also noted that this process played a significant role in shaping CICA’s development as a unique multilateral platform. “We must be frank: Central Asia was not simply involved in the establishment of the Conference; Central Asia laid its foundation,” he stressed.
Special attention in the Secretary General’s remarks was paid to the cultural component as a factor in strengthening regional identity, sustainable development and connectivity, in particular he highlighted the initiative of President K.K.Tokayev of Kazakhstan to establish the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity, as well as the environmental agenda and the active participation of the region in climate initiatives. He emphasized the readiness of Azerbaijan, CICA Chair-in-Office, to bring to the organization the best practices developed within its COP29 Presidency in order to intensify the climate action in CICA.
A substantial part of Ambassador Sarybay’s speech was devoted to youth policy and the fight against radicalization. He stressed the importance of developing proactive measures to counter extremism, expanding educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people and highlighted the role of the CICA Youth Council and the Partnership Network of Leading Universities as key platforms for engaging the new generation in the sustainable development agenda. He also reminded that Central Asia is a region that has officially declared itself a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
Ambassador Sarybay informed the participants about the strategic course of the organization under the Chairmanship of Azerbaijan, expressing confidence that Baku will make a significant contribution to its further development. The key priorities outlined included the institutional transformation of CICA, the enhancement of confidence building measures and the expansion of cooperation with international partners.
Concluding his speech, the Secretary General called on representatives of regional and global media for closer partnership, stressing that “bringing the international agenda closer to the people is not only a challenge but also a unique opportunity.”
Read the full statement by CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay at the plenary session of the 2nd Central Asia Media Forum https://www.s-cica.org/index.php?view=page&t=speeches&id=312
