Astana, Kazakhstan – 16 April 2025 - The Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, attended the II Central Asian Media Forum, which began its work on 16 April 2025 in Astana under the theme “Central Asia in the Era of Global Challenges: Media as an Instrument of Strategic Development.”
The Forum brought together more than 700 delegates, including high-level representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Kingdom, China, Qatar, Russia, and other countries. The diverse gathering included politicians, journalists, heads of media companies, international organizations, and prominent media experts.
The Forum was officially opened by:
• H.E. Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Mr. Asadjon Khodjaev, Director of the Information and Mass Communications Agency under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
• Mr. Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• Mr. Alizoda Sukhrob, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan;
• Mr. Ahmed Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Held over two days, the Forum aims to strengthen cooperation between media organizations in Central Asia and international partners. Discussions focus on the digital transformation of media and its role in shaping public opinion, supporting sustainable development, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic crises.
As a participant, Ambassador Aryn observed the panel sessions, which examined the evolving role of global media in Central Asia’s information space, the emergence of artificial intelligence and big data in journalism, and the potential of social media in promoting national and regional identities.
On the sidelines of the Forum, the Director General held productive exchanges with international counterparts, including representatives from international organizations, global media institutions, and senior government officials. He emphasized IOFS’s ongoing efforts to build responsible, collaborative communication frameworks that support food security, sustainable development, and international cooperation across OIC Member States.
The Forum also features a working meeting of the Ministers of Information (or their authorized representatives) of Central Asian countries, focusing on prospects for establishing a unified regional media space and enhancing strategic dialogue.
IOFS’s participation in this high-level platform highlights its commitment to international engagement and knowledge exchange, and to amplifying the role of communication in advancing its mission.
