Digital Media Forum 2025 explores the impact of AI on journalism and digital literacy in Tajikistan

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a Digital Media Forum on 22 November 2025 in partnership with UNICEF, TIKA, the Embassies of France, Germany and the United Kingdom and Tcell.

The event brought together nearly 150 journalists, bloggers and media professionals from Tajikistan to explore how media has shifted to the digital space and how new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), are reshaping the media landscape.

During engaging talks and master-classes led by experts from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, participants discussed a wide range of topics, from AI in the newsroom and storytelling in the digital age, to fact-checking, online safety and digital rights.

Tatiana Turcan, Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe highlighted Tajikistan’s leadership in digital innovation, including the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Council. She also referenced the OSCE Policy Manual “Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Expression”, which calls on participating States to promote sustainable media and digital literacy programmes. “Digital literacy empowers individuals and builds resilience against misinformation. AI is a powerful tool, and its impact depends on how responsibly, ethically and critically we use it,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the session about protecting our voices online. There are so many fakes out there, and it’s easy for anyone to get tricked. Now I know what to watch out for and how to keep my voice safe,” said Abubakr Abduqaumov, a Forum participant and a UNICEF’s Young Person’s Advisory Group member.

The Forum also underscored the growing importance of media and digital literacy in a world where news breaks on social media and AI can both streamline newsroom operations and produce deepfakes. One of the key messages was that strengthening media literacy skills among young people – so they can engage critically with AI-generated content – will help foster a safer and more ethical digital environment.

By bringing together journalists, media experts, bloggers, students and influencers, the Digital Media Forum 2025 helped build a community of young professionals equipped to use AI responsibly, protect their online voices and counter misinformation in the age of deepfakes.