Yusup Orazov, a first-year student of the Faculty of International Journalism at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in the Summer School of Journalism 2026, held from 28 June to 12 July in Hissar, Republic of Tajikistan.
The educational program was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe with the support of the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan. The initiative is designed for young media professionals from the countries of Central Asia who seek to enhance their professional skills and adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing digital environment.
This year, 20 talented young professionals and university students from leading higher education institutions across the region were selected through a competitive process to participate in the intensive media training program. Among them were a student from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of the University of Central Asia (UCA), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai), Ala-Too International University, and the Uzbekistan State World Languages University.
The two-week program focused on the key aspects of modern media operations. Through lectures and interactive workshops, participants explored professional ethics, media literacy, countering disinformation, the responsible use of artificial intelligence in journalism, and the development of multimedia storytelling skills, including video and audio production.
A significant component of the program was its practical training module, which enabled participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge through hands-on exercises and thematic assignments under the guidance of experienced trainers and media experts. The young journalists also visited the studios of the state television channel “Safina,” where they became familiar with the technical facilities of the broadcasting complex, television production processes, the specifics of live broadcasting, and the preparation of breaking news programs.
The Summer School of Journalism contributed to strengthening the participants' professional knowledge and skills, fostering cross-border professional networks, promoting productive cooperation, and encouraging friendly dialogue among young journalists from different countries.
It is worth noting that the pilot edition of the project was successfully launched in 2025. Building on that positive experience, the 2026 program was expanded to provide participants with a structured, practice-oriented learning environment that reflects the evolving demands of today's media landscape.
The organizers emphasized the school's effectiveness as a platform for the professional development of young media professionals and highlighted the importance of continuing and further expanding this initiative. Upon successful completion of the program, participants of the Summer School of Journalism 2026 were awarded international certificates.
