Today in Almaty, the 13th International Winter School on Journalism and Communication titled “Media Pluralism: AI Research in Central Asia” has begun. The opening ceremony was attended by students and research scholars from Kazakhstan, China, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Karakalpakstan. The Winter School, which includes modules on the ethics and philosophy of communication in the era of artificial intelligence as well as media pedagogy, will continue until February 28.

Traditionally held on an annual basis, this year’s 13th session is dedicated to World Radio Day proclaimed by UNESCO. The program provides for the exchange of international knowledge and practical skills in the application of digital radio technologies. The Winter School opened at the United Nations building in Almaty and is organized by Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. The event is supported by the United Nations Department of Global Communications Representation in the Republic of Kazakhstan – the UN Information Bureau in Kazakhstan, the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Central Asia–China Journalism Research Association. The international forum was moderated by Doctor of Political Sciences and Research Professor of Abai University, Gulmira Sultanbayeva.

The event was officially opened by Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation of Abai University, Ertai Sultan. He addressed the current processes of science and technology in the era of artificial intelligence within today’s information space, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. He also emphasized that the Winter School contributes significantly to strengthening the university’s scientific potential in this field and to expanding international cooperation.

– For Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, this Winter School is an important platform that supports scientific research and innovative initiatives, strengthens international partnership, and enhances the potential of young researchers. What matters most to us is that today’s discussions have a real impact on tomorrow’s professional environment and society. I am confident that the upcoming lectures, discussions, and master classes will provide you with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and professional momentum, – the Vice-Rector stated.

Subsequently, Zhenisbek Tolen, Head of the Center for Education and Social Development of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Information Bureau in Kazakhstan and Representative of the UN Department of Global Communications in Kazakhstan, along with other respected media experts and scholars, spoke about the role and significance of the international Winter School and elaborated on the application of artificial intelligence in the media sphere.

As part of the event, six books published under the scientific supervision of Professor Gulmira Sultanbayeva and co-authored with other scholars were presented. These publications have already received high praise from the expert community.

Various master classes, training sessions, and discussion platforms for critical analysis within the Winter School for media professionals will last for 10 days. Participants may attend both online and offline and enhance their competencies through specialized modules. New ideas in social sciences, journalism, and communication will be discussed, along with strategies for addressing contemporary challenges. Lectures will cover topics such as acquiring new knowledge and practical skills in digital radio technologies, applying innovative tools to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and developing competencies in internet and digital literacy.

 “Abai University” Media Center