Bishkek, Aug. 30, 2026 /Kabar/. President Sadyr Zhaparov addressed the participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Humanitarian Exchange Media Forum, "Harmony of Voices Reaching Forward – A New Path of Development," which is being held at the National Broadcasting Corporation. The address was conveyed to the participants by the President's Press Secretary, Askat Alagozov.
The address notes that this forum is of particular significance, as it is being held in the year of the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, during the Kyrgyz Republic's chairmanship of the SCO, and on the eve of the 26th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the organization.
The joint initiative of the National Broadcasting Corporation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the China Media Corporation to hold the forum, bringing together representatives of the media community of the SCO member states, is also highlighted.
"The SCO's twenty-five years of development convincingly confirm that strong cooperation is built on trust between people, equality, respect for the culture and traditions of nations, and a willingness to engage in open dialogue and shared growth," the statement says.
The statement also notes that the forum's theme has profound symbolic meaning.
"Harmony is born from the consonance of diverse voices, preserving their distinctiveness and united by mutual respect and a willingness to listen to one another. It presupposes a careful attitude toward cultural diversity and respect for the right of every nation to its own opinion," the statement says.
The media play a special role in strengthening this mutual understanding. Their mission extends far beyond reporting. Journalists largely shape people's perceptions of one another, helping them to better understand their cultures, values, and aspirations.
The statement notes that digital technologies are fundamentally changing the information space today. Artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities for overcoming language barriers, processing large volumes of data, and creating modern media products.
"These tools have the potential to expand humanitarian interaction and make knowledge about the history, culture, and lives of our peoples more accessible," the statement says.
At the same time, the expanding capabilities of the digital environment heighten demands on professional responsibility. "False information, deepfakes, and other forms of digital fabrication can mislead people, exacerbate social tensions, and undermine trust," in the the statement.
"Today, when a message crosses national borders in seconds, the value of every word becomes especially high," the statement notes. The document emphasizes that the impact of technology is determined by how people use it. Behind every algorithm is a human being, and the outcome of its use depends on professionalism, responsibility, and ethical choices.
Accuracy, fact-checking, respect for the audience, and accountability for one's words remain the foundations of professional journalism. Trust is built through daily honest work, consistency, and commitment to high professional standards.
The statement places special emphasis on the development of media literacy. It empowers people to critically evaluate the information they receive, recognize manipulation, and navigate the digital environment consciously.
"I am confident that the responsible use of new technologies, the development of high-quality journalism, and the combined efforts of the media communities of our countries will contribute to strengthening trust in the shared information space," the statement reads.
It is noted that the current forum aims to give new impetus to joint media projects, professional exchanges, personnel training, and the creation of informative materials that introduce a wider audience to the history, culture, and contemporary development of our countries.
"I highly value the creative work of media representatives, their professionalism, and dedication to their work ". The Kyrgyz Republic will continue to actively promote the deepening of humanitarian exchanges, the mutual enrichment of civilizations, and the strengthening of mutual understanding between peoples within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," the statement added.
In conclusion, the forum participants were wished fruitful work, meaningful discussions, and the development of practical solutions for the benefit of countries and peoples.
