On September 16-17, the OSCE held a media literacy training course for representatives of national media and government agencies in Turkmenistan in the capital of Turkmenistan. These government agencies are participating in the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2021-2025 in the area of ​​media freedom, the OSCE Office in Ashgabat reported to Takyk.

The training was conducted by two national trainers, Serdar Agayev (Department for the Organization of Court Activities) and Dayanch Konarov (journalist for the Turkmenportal information resource). The specialists successfully completed a series of media literacy courses organized by the European organization. An international expert from Kazakhstan assisted the Turkmen instructors online.

The trainers presented the concept of media and information literacy, focusing on current media trends and the five principles of media and information literacy as defined by UNESCO.

The training also included an introduction to international and national legal frameworks in the field of media and information literacy, their tools, and fact-checking practices. Participants examined fact-checking formats and the use of artificial intelligence in government agencies. An interactive lesson on writing press releases using artificial intelligence tools was held.

In his welcoming speech, William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, highlighted the policy recommendations "In Focus: Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Expression," published by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in 2021.

"The Guidelines emphasize the importance of awareness-raising and digital literacy to empower individuals to more effectively manage their media consumption," Leaf said.

This is not the first experience for the national trainers. This year, the Center in Ashgabat organized its first training course, led by three national trainers.

"We are proud to contribute to the creation of a pool of national media literacy experts and to the practical implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan's provisions related to media freedom," concluded the Center's director.