BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Rapid information
flows amid digital transformation can bridge differences between
societies or deepen misunderstandings, Secretary General of the
Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia
(CICA) Kairat Sarybay said at the CICA Media Forum on “Building
Trust Through the Media in a Polarized World” in Baku today,
Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


He said changes in the information sphere have a direct impact
on international relations.


“In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions,
economic uncertainty and climate pressures, digital transformation
is rapidly changing how societies access and interpret
information,” the CICA Secretary General said.


According to Sarybay, promoting constructive and fact-based
dialogue is becoming a global priority under these
circumstances.


He emphasized that a sustainable world can be built on a
foundation of trust and cooperation.


“Global goals require regional action. Regional efforts show
their true value when they deliver practical and coordinated
solutions that reinforce the broader UN system. Implementing
regional solutions is precisely the work that CICA does,” he
said.


The CICA Secretary General noted that the organization, which
brings together 28 member states, serves as an inclusive platform
for dialogue across Asia. According to him, the principles of
sovereign equality and consensus enable countries with diverse
national experiences to find common ground.


“Finding common ground and building partnerships starts with
trust. Trust turns dialogue into practical cooperation. Trust is
built through consistent engagement and the experience of working
together,” Sarybay said.


He said CICA strengthens trust through concrete
confidence-building measures in the military-political, new
challenges and threats, economic, environmental and humanitarian
dimensions.


Sarybay noted that important results had been achieved in
expanding practical cooperation within CICA during Azerbaijan's
chairmanship.


According to him, CICA has evolved from a dialogue platform into
an institutional mechanism for practical cooperation in Asia, with
hundreds of initiatives implemented and a broad network of
professional ties established across the region.


The CICA Secretary General also emphasized that cooperation
across different areas complements one another. He noted that
education increases economic participation, digital connectivity
expands access to knowledge, while environmental cooperation
contributes to protecting people's health and social
well-being.


He said the CICA Women’s Council, established at Azerbaijan's
initiative during its chairmanship, has contributed to expanding
women's participation in public life, professional development and
entrepreneurship opportunities.


The Secretary General also highlighted the important role of
young people in regional cooperation. He cited an event held in
Baku at the initiative of ADA University focused on digitalization
and strengthening research capacity as an example in this
regard.


Sarybay noted that CICA's advisory platforms, including the
Business Council, Finance Summit, CICA Fund, Think Tank Forum and
Council of Eminent Persons, also contribute to developing
cooperation across various areas.


He emphasized the importance of expanding ties between the media
and various CICA institutions to help bring the organization's
activities to wider audiences.


“Bringing media representatives and CICA institutions together
creates a unique opportunity to turn experience into clear news
content relevant to the region,” the Secretary General said.


Sarybay also said cultural understanding and direct
people-to-people contacts play an important role in building
sustainable trust.


He cited the “Tales of Asia” collection, which brings together
stories and folklore from CICA member states, as an example. He
said the collection, published in Arabic and Kazakh in 2025, is
being presented this year in Azerbaijani and Chinese.


The Secretary General noted that each new edition provides
children and young people with an opportunity to learn about the
traditions and values of neighboring societies.


“This is a practical contribution to cultural understanding,” he
added.


Sarybay said deeper cooperation among CICA member states should
be accompanied by expanded ties among media professionals.


According to him, the Media Forum's agenda includes such
important issues as the responsibility of the media in the age of
artificial intelligence and the role of journalism in social
solidarity and cultural understanding.