With more than 700 people as well as an estimated 3,000 participants online, the 10th Caspian Media Forum under the theme: “The History of the Caspian: from the Past to the Future” was held in Astrakhan’s Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Forum brought together representatives from Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, as well as Gagauzia and Uzbekistan.
Its agenda focused on discussions of the historical, political, economic and environmental aspects of the region’s development. The forum program also included thematic sessions and master classes, the educational intensive “Inforum”, which was organized by the Union of Journalists of Russia. Particular attention was paid to the topic of cinema: a special discussion session dedicated to the prospects for the development of the film industry in the countries of the Caspian region. Film screenings was also held at the site of Astrakhan State University.
The main plenary session was moderated by TASS CEO Andrey Kondrashov. He emphasized the role of the media in national development, media as an instrument for highlighting development obstacles, achievements and strategic pathways into the future. The significant issues particularly relating to strengthening cooperation between media practitioners from the Caspian countries were discussed in various speeches by speakers.
Addressing the participants and guests of the event, Governor of the Astrakhan Region, Igor Babushkin, said: “Historically, the Astrakhan region has been a bridge between different cultures and civilizations, a point of intertwining humanitarian and economic ties in the Caspian Sea for many centuries. Therefore, the key topic of the current media forum was not chosen by chance. It is the appeal to common historical roots, to the centuries—old traditions of good neighborliness that is the foundation of the future of our countries in a just multipolar world.”
According to him, during these 10 years the forum has transformed from a highly professional journalistic event into an effective platform for discussing the entire relevant Caspian agenda. “Today it is a geostrategic point for “checking the clock” on key issues of the Caspian region. This year, in addition to the media industry, the forum’s program includes issues of transport, logistics, the environment of the Caspian Sea, and the development of cultural exchange,” the governor stressed.
Babushkin highlighted the role of the media in forming a unified media space and countering unfriendly propaganda. He stressed that the media should help the audience distinguish the truth from false news and strengthen mutual understanding between states.
As part of his speech, the head of the region announced the opening of the Caspian Seasons festival in the Astrakhan Kremlin, and also congratulated the winners of the Caspian Without Borders international journalism competition, noting their professionalism and commitment to objectivity. In conclusion, the governor wished all participants of the media forum fruitful work, interesting discussions and new ideas for large-scale international projects.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted in an official message that over recent years, the media forum has become “a respected platform for discussion, bringing together prominent representatives from government, the media, and public and business circles of the five Caspian states.”
“The forum makes a significant contribution to the implementation of numerous international cultural and humanitarian projects. One result has been forming a unified Caspian expert community dedicated to seeking balanced solutions for the region’s sustainable development, as well as fostering friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the five countries,” Lavrov stated in a greeting read at the forum’s opening ceremony in Astrakhan.
He also recalled that since 2023 the forum has held federal status, featuring seminars for young leaders in politics, society, academia, and business, as well as the international classical arts festival “Caspian Seasons.” “Such evolution fully reflects the broadening, multifaceted partnership between our countries,” Lavrov concluded, wishing forum participants successful discussions and all the best.
About the Forum: The idea for the forum emerged at the 2014 summit of the Caspian ‘Five’ (Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan). The first Caspian Media Forum took place in Astrakhan in 2015. Since then, a Caspian editorial office and expert club have been established in Astrakhan, and information exchanges are held regularly. The 10th Forum was organized by the Astrakhan regional government with support from the Russian Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture.
