OSCE Media Camp for Youth Tackles Disinformation and Digital Safety

Not everything we see on the internet and social media is true. While technology brings people closer and puts endless information just two clicks away, the digital space can sometimes turn into a breeding ground for manipulation, extremism, and radicalization.

Building on its ongoing, comprehensive efforts in this critical area, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Journalist Professional Development Centre, recently organized a specialized media camp in the Parkent district of Tashkent region on 27–29 September 2026. Bringing together 30 talented students of journalism, filmmaking, and design from leading universities, the camp focused on building critical media literacy skills.

The initiative equips future media professionals, filmmakers, and designers - those who shape modern visual culture - with essential tools to recognize fake news, practice rigorous fact-checking, and create safe, reliable content. By doing so, these young talents are stepping up to play an active role in preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.

Highlighting the importance of this mission, Gulnara Babadjanova, Director of the Journalist Professional Development Centre, noted:

"Our most important weapon against terrorism is accurate information. Modern media must not spread negative stereotypes, but rather foster tolerance and champion ethical, professional standards to ensure people's safety."

The three-day immersive program featured interactive sessions, practical case studies, and expert-led workshops on digital hygiene, AI in storytelling, and alternative narrative creation. Participants explored how everyday digital interactions can profoundly impact real-world communities.

Sharing a perspective from the camp discussions, Shamsiddin Talibboev, a student at Uzbekistan State World Languages University, emphasized:

"It is important not only to know how to use the internet, but also to critically evaluate our actions online, understand that sharing content without consent causes real harm, and avoid supporting cyberbullying."

By fostering critical thinking, ethical content creation, and digital resilience among the rising generation of creators, the media camp marks a significant step toward a safer, more transparent information environment in Uzbekistan.