Baku State University (BSU) and the Press Council of Azerbaijan jointly held a roundtable discussion titled “Information War: The Purpose and Essence of Information Attacks on Azerbaijan Ahead of COP29.”

At the event, Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Press Council, emphasized the critical role of information security as part of national security. “As COP29 approaches, we are witnessing an intensified information war against Azerbaijan. Exposing false information in a timely manner positively impacts the entire process, placing significant responsibility on the media,” he noted.

BSU Rector Elchin Babayev highlighted the significance of hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku. According to Babayev, this demonstrates the international community’s trust in Azerbaijan. “Our country is fully mobilized to ensure COP29 is organized at the highest level. However, Azerbaijan’s growing global influence and its successes, including the victory in the Patriotic War and the restoration of our territorial integrity, have provoked hostile reactions from certain foreign powers and neighboring states. These forces have launched disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining our reputation,” he said.

Vugar Rahimzade, a member of the Milli Majlis and the Press Council, underscored the need for Azerbaijani media to unite on a single platform to respond to these attacks, as they did during the Patriotic War.

Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, warned that the information war against Azerbaijan is ongoing. He emphasized the importance of vigilance from both society and the media. “Our country faces disinformation attacks on social media and manipulations by certain Western countries. Strengthening the economic independence of the media is crucial for effectively conveying Azerbaijan’s truth to the world,” he stated.

Vusala Makhirgizi, a member of the Press Council and President of APA Holding, stressed the importance of educating the public about media literacy. “We need to engage with individuals vulnerable to information manipulation. Media literacy classes in schools can teach students how to identify and use reliable sources,” she suggested.

Other notable speakers included Akif Ashyrly, a member of the Press Council’s board; Vugar Aliyev, Dean of BSU’s Faculty of Journalism and Deputy Chairman of the Press Council; Jahangir Mammadli, Head of BSU’s National Press History Department; and Gulu Maharramli, Head of the Multimedia and Electronic Communications Department.

The event concluded with a resolution to send a joint statement to foreign countries and international organizations, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s commitment to countering disinformation campaigns.