On November 28, 2025, a round table on the topic “Media and Peace Journalism in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” was held in Turkestan, bringing together leading experts, scholars, journalists, and public figures to discuss the transformation of media and communication amid the rapid development of digital technologies.
The event was organized under the auspices of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia and the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, in partnership with Khoja Ahmed Yasawi International Kazakh-Turkish University.
The purpose of the event was to explore the relationship between media, ethics, and artificial intelligence through the lens of peace journalism, as well as to identify ways to strengthen responsibility and moral values in the information space and to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on shaping the language of peace in media discourse.
Opening the event, Senator Darkhan Kydyrali read out a congratulatory message from the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev.
In his remarks, Darhan Kydyrali emphasized the deep symbolism of holding the first session in Turkestan, noting that this city is the birthplace of the language of goodness and peace — the spiritual legacy of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
The Senator noted that peace journalism is not limited to the coverage of armed conflicts. It implies attentive and humane reporting on social issues, domestic violence, and all forms of societal tension through the prism of peacefulness and respect for human dignity.
“In the era of artificial intelligence, news and narratives can change rapidly, sometimes in unpredictable directions. We must demonstrate particular vigilance toward manifestations of aggression, emotional manipulation, and disinformation,” he stated.
From the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, the round table was attended by Elimira Birali, Director of the Department of Religious Studies Expertise. As the head of the department responsible for comprehensive analysis of the religious situation, expert evaluation of thematic content, monitoring of media materials for compliance with interfaith sensitivity, and the development of recommendations to prevent destructive narratives, E. Birali presented her professional vision of the role of mass media in strengthening interreligious harmony.
In her speech, she underscored the importance of responsible and ethically balanced media content and highlighted the need to develop and implement standards for the safe and appropriate use of artificial intelligence technologies in the media sphere — especially in covering religious topics and issues related to peace, dialogue, and tolerance.
The round table served as an important platform for substantive dialogue, exchange of experience, and the formulation of recommendations aimed at fostering constructive, responsible, and culturally sensitive communication both in Kazakhstan and in the broader regional context.
The next events are scheduled to take place in Almaty and Astana.
