From June 17 to 21, 2024, a five-day OSCE Central Asian Summer Media School, "InfoSavvy: AI-Expedition and Media Literacy," was held in Issyk-Kul province, Kyrgyzstan. The school aimed to strengthen media literacy skills of 22 young journalists and bloggers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Participants gained expertise in online product design, deep fake detection, cyber hygiene, and open data. They discussed personal data protection, AI in content development, and media ethics. Additionally, they learned to verify media using open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools and engaged in team exercises to assess source credibility and the ethical implications of AI.
Moreover, the event provided a platform for Central Asian journalists and bloggers to exchange ideas and build professional networks. Upon completing the school, participants will conduct briefings to share their knowledge with fellow professionals from their home countries.
"I was fascinated to learn how open-source intelligence and AI can be used in content development," shared journalism student Salima Almazbekova from the American University of Central Asia, reflecting on her participation experience, - "As a journalist, I believe this knowledge will transform my career."
"It is crucial to empower the youth to navigate the complexities of media. Doing so not only enriches the quality of journalism but also strengthens the foundations of our democracies," shared Otabek Rashidov, Programme Officer from the Action against Terrorism unit at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna.
"In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, our aim was to cultivate a cadre of media professionals who can leverage AI to uncover truths, tell compelling stories, and serve their communities with accuracy and integrity. The knowledge and skills acquired will shape the future of journalism in Central Asia," noted Dr. Elira Turdubaeva, National Trainer at the OSCE Central Asian Summer Media School.
This event is a joint initiative organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, and the OSCE Secretariat.
