BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. A panel session
titled “Azerbaijani Chairmanship: Initiatives, Cooperation,
Results” was held as part of the Media Forum of the Conference on
Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA),
dedicated to “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World,”
Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


The panel addressed strengthening trust and mutual cooperation
within the CICA space, digitalization and the development of
transport connectivity, expanding the role of women in public and
economic life, and the growing importance of regional organizations
amid global instability.


Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samaddin
Asadov said in his remarks that expanding cooperation within CICA
in areas such as economic development, digital systems, transport
networks and environmental sustainability is of particular
importance.


According to him, connectivity and digitalization are among the
key areas of cooperation within the CICA space. During Azerbaijan's
chairmanship, efforts were made to strengthen cooperation on
establishing safe and efficient transport corridors. The
development of sustainable, modern and green transport corridors
was highlighted as one of the key conditions for deeper economic
integration and stronger ties between countries.


Asadov noted that various events were held with CICA member
states throughout 2025 on data protection, cybersecurity
experience-sharing, digitalization of transport corridors, digital
transformation and innovation. Going forward, specialized training
programs on personal data protection, sustainable transport
infrastructure and environmentally friendly mobility are
planned.


Chairman of Türkiye's Radio and Television Supreme Council
(RTÜK), Mehmet Daniş, said measures to build trust among CICA
member states form the basis of cooperation within the
organization.


According to him, mutual trust and dialogue can guide member
states in addressing existing challenges. The discussions in Baku
also highlight the responsibility of the media in creating an
environment of trust.


Daniş said Türkiye's cooperation within CICA is also aligned
with the country's “Asia Anew” initiative. According to him, the
approach is aimed at deepening cooperation with regional partners
based on mutual benefit and common priorities.


Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and
Children Affairs Sadagat Gahramanova emphasized that modern
technologies, social networks and artificial intelligence have
significantly changed the role of the media.







She said that while the rapid spread of information in the
digital environment creates opportunities for new connections, it
also increases the responsibility of the media and information
sources. According to her, building trust requires not only
providing reliable information but also creating a safe, inclusive
and responsible digital environment.


Gahramanova noted that digitalization creates new opportunities
for women and girls in education, employment, entrepreneurship and
public participation. She stressed the importance of eliminating
disparities in access to digital opportunities and skills and
enabling women to become active participants in the digital
economy, innovation and information environment.


The deputy chairwoman also emphasized the importance of
combating online gender-based violence and discrimination and
ensuring digital security. She said that during Azerbaijan's CICA
chairmanship, important initiatives were put forward to increase
the role of women in sustainable development and public life, with
the establishment of the CICA Women's Council being an important
step in this regard.


Deputy Chairman of the Boards of the Center for Analysis of
International Relations and the Baku International Multiculturalism
Centre, Farhad Mammadov, said the importance of regional
organizations is growing amid global instability and a crisis in
the international security system.


According to him, the increase in wars and the deepening of
unresolved conflicts are affecting trade routes and increasing the
risks of confrontation. As sanctions and other geopolitical factors
also affect global trade, countries are seeking to make greater use
of regional organizations to create a safer and more predictable
regional environment.


Mammadov noted that the Asian direction holds a special place in
Azerbaijan's foreign policy. According to him, Azerbaijan's
restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty has
created new opportunities for expanding the country's participation
in regional cooperation formats in Asia.


He said Azerbaijan's CICA chairmanship for 2024–2026
demonstrates the country's responsible approach to regional
cooperation. During its chairmanship, initiatives have been put
forward to strengthen CICA's institutional development and
connectivity, promote environmental sustainability, establish
permanent institutions and increase the organization's
international visibility.