Regional Event “Beyond Headlines: Protecting Journalists to Promote Media Freedom”
From June 26 to 28, 2024, a significant regional event titled “Beyond Headlines: Protecting Journalists to Promote Media Freedom” was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Organized by the headquarters of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the event brought together delegations from Turkmenistan, as well as journalists, human rights defenders, representatives of international organizations, and government officials from Central Asian countries.
The first day, June 26, commenced with a ceremony introducing the participants. Delegations from each country presented the current state of journalism in their respective nations, highlighting the opportunities created by their governments for journalists.
On June 27, the conference began early in the morning, focusing on issues related to journalists’ safety and the protection of freedom of speech in the region. A special workshop was conducted during the conference to help media professionals develop strategies and protocols to mitigate risks. The workshop covered topics such as preventing cyberattacks, data protection, and privacy, as well as measures to counter online harassment. In addition to digital security aspects, the workshop also addressed gender, psychosocial, and physical aspects of journalists’ safety.
A crucial topic of discussion was the role of journalists in ensuring government transparency and strengthening democracy. Participants exchanged best practices and support measures aimed at protecting journalists.
The organizers expressed confidence that the outcomes of the consultations and discussions would help develop new strategies and proposals to improve the situation in the region. The event’s timing, on the eve of Kazakhstan’s Media Workers’ Day, further enhanced its effectiveness and significance.
Overall, the event served as an important platform for strengthening media freedom and enhancing the safety of journalists in Central Asia.
Jemile PURJAYEVA,
Senior lecturer in the
Department of Theory and Practice of Journalism of the
Institute of International Relations of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.