KazanForum to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and the Future of International Journalism

KazanForum to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and the Future of International Journalism

A separate MediaForum, created as a dedicated discussion platform and a gathering place for the international media community, will be held on the sidelines of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”. There, journalists, bloggers, and media managers from various countries across the globe will talk about current trends, practical solutions, as well as frameworks for future co operation.
The Event is organised by the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group and Tatmedia, News Agency for Press and Mass Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the help of the Union of News Agencies (UNA) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“The media today is not merely a way for sharing news, but a comprehensive tool for establishing trust between countries. The media forums of this kind aid the professional communities in holding open dialogues, finding common ground, and responding to contemporary challenges more quickly,” Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group, noted.
The overarching theme of the Forum is “The Code of Heritage: The Digital Evolution of Meaning”. The discussion will focus on the impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI); as well as on journalism and society. Furthermore, the participants will cover which AI tools are already being used in the media; how they are transforming content; and what social and ethical challenges such transformation entails.
“The media landscape of today is rapidly evolving: tools, formats, and approaches to content are changing drastically. It is important that the professional community has a hand in shaping the rules of the industry and also sets the direction for the media sector’s development. In turn, for us—as a regional media holding—it is paramount to create platforms where people can discuss real world cases, exchange best practices, and launch joint projects. The MediaForum is precisely such a meeting point for holding professional dialogue,” Aidar Salimgaraev, Head of Tatmedia Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications, shared.
The plenary session entitled “Media Co Operation: Russia – The Islamic World” will serve as the highlight of the Event, where the participants will exchange their views on how the media landscape is evolving already, and what forms of collaboration are currently in demand at the international level. In addition to the business programme, a press tour of Tatarstan’s largest enterprises will be arranged for the visitors, so they can learn more about the Republic’s industrial potential.
Key participants include representatives of international media organisations and the professional community: Mohammed Al Yami, Director General of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA); Achraf Al Hidri, Director of International Relations and Communications at UNA; Dr. Tarek Ladjal, Director of the OIC General Secretariat’s Information Department; as well as representatives of leading media outlets from the Islamic world: the Head of the Oman Journalists’ Association; the Editor in Chief of MENA(Egypt); the Editor in Chief of the Tunisian News Agency; a representative of Anadolu Agency, Turkish news agency; the Head of Antara, Indonesia’s national news agency; and others.
In total, over 40 media representatives from the CIS, the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia will arrive to take part in the MediaForum.

The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
See you at KazanForum 2026!

The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.