Media heads, journalists and communication experts from across the Islamic world gathered at the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum” to discuss the growing role of new technologies in journalism and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and digital misinformation.
The media forum, titled “Heritage Code: The Digital Evolution of Meanings”, focused on how modern technologies can be used to preserve cultural and spiritual heritage while safeguarding the integrity of information.
Opening the discussion, Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, stressed the importance of using technological advancements responsibly.
“Currently, the question also arises of how to use the opportunities of modern achievements for the benefit of preserving our cultural and spiritual heritage,” Gatin said, expressing hope that the forum would contribute to finding solutions to this challenge.
He noted that information cooperation between Russia and countries of the Islamic world continues to expand, adding that Kazan Forum has become a leading platform for discussing new media approaches and technologies.Aidar Salimgaraev, head of Tatmedia Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications, said changing audience preferences are reshaping traditional communication formats, making it essential for media organisations to adapt to new trends while protecting national and cultural identity.
“This year, about 400 journalists from 29 countries came to Kazan Forum. This indicates a high interest in the event all over the world,” he said.
Participants discussed the opportunities created by artificial intelligence alongside concerns about misinformation and digital manipulation.
Tarek Ladjal, head of the Information Department at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), warned about the increasing spread of deepfakes and distorted information in the digital era.
“We are not just fighting against fakes, but we advocate for the integrity of information,” he said, adding that many OIC countries remain concerned about the security of their history, values and digital sovereignty.Ladjal called for continuous improvement in media literacy and urged journalists to strengthen their knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies and large databases.
He also stressed the importance of international cooperation to protect the information space from what he described as “digital vandalism”, while emphasising that journalism must remain human-centred despite rapid technological advances.Muhammad Al-Yami, Director-General of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said Kazan was a symbolic venue for discussions on preserving heritage through technology because of its historical and cultural significance.
He highlighted the union’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into media work, including the launch of the “Smart Editor” programme for content creation and training initiatives for journalists across the Islamic world.Al-Yami also praised the contribution of Tatmedia Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications for supporting the organisation’s media initiatives and events.
Among the proposals discussed during the forum were the establishment of regular meetings for media leaders from OIC countries, the creation of a Global South journalists’ network, and the development of ethical standards governing the use of artificial intelligence in journalism.
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