BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 13.
The Baku Network Research and Analysis Public Union held a meeting
with students at the Azerbaijan University of Languages under the
project "Supporting increased vigilance against harmful foreign
influences and fake news," supported by the State Support Agency
for Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan.
In his speech, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency and a
trainer for the project, Sahil Karimli, said that maintaining
vigilance against harmful foreign influences is of particular
importance at a time when global conflicts and ideological threats
are on the rise.
According to him, Azerbaijan's independent foreign policy, the
full restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and
the new realities it has created in the region are causing concern
among certain foreign circles.
"We observe the spread of false and biased information against
Azerbaijan in online media and on social networks. The aim of this
information is to disrupt national solidarity, undermine civic
unity, and weaken the cohesion our society has preserved for many
years. It’s the duty of every citizen to remain vigilant against
such news and ideological threats," he noted.
Karimli pointed out that holding meetings with students within
the framework of the project is linked to the important role young
people play in the future of society.
"Azerbaijani youth are growing up with a spirit of patriotism
and commitment to national values and statehood. However, this is
no ground for complacency. Proactive measures must constantly be
taken to counter harmful foreign influences, and the awareness of
young people must be raised," he emphasized.
Karimli also touched upon the discussions surrounding the
unified school uniform. He stated that Azerbaijan is a secular
state where freedom of religious belief is guaranteed, and
attention is paid to religious monuments and places of worship. In
his view, a sound stance must be taken against attempts to
politicize the school uniform issue, with statehood and national
interests serving as the guiding principles.
Chairman of the Baku Network Research and Analysis Public Union
and an Honored Journalist, Elchin Alioghlu, noted in his remarks
that influencing people's mindset is a key instrument in hybrid
warfare.
According to him, the widespread spread of misinformation can
lead people to accept it as truth and make erroneous decisions.
"When discussing the threats facing Azerbaijan, we must first
consider the battle being waged for your mindset. No one comes and
openly declares war on you. Instead, various ideas and courses of
action are presented. However, when the bond between the
individual, the state, and society is strong, it becomes much
harder to deceive that person," he said.
Alioghlu highlighted that online behavior and personal data can
be used to identify people's interests and influence them. He urged
young people to take a critical approach to the information they
encounter in the digital environment and to be vigilant against
manipulation.
"You are a target. Don’t assume you are completely free when
using social media; your activities, interests, and choices there
shape the perception others have of you," he added.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Karimli stressed that harmful
external influences target not only the youth but also various
segments of society, including media representatives. He noted that
every citizen bears a responsibility to safeguard Azerbaijan's
national interests and to counter information-based threats.
