Media pluralism: Winter school on artifical intelligence science in Central Asia launched

On February 18, 2026, the XIII International Winter School on Journalism and Communication titled “Media Pluralism: AI Studies in Central Asia” was officially opened at the United Nations building in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The opening ceremony brought together students and researchers from Kazakhstan, China, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Karakalpakstan.

The program includes academic modules focused on communication ethics and values in the era of artificial intelligence, as well as media pedagogy.

This year’s Winter School, traditionally held on an annual basis, is dedicated to World Radio Day, established at the initiative of UNESCO. The event provides a platform for international exchange of knowledge and practical experience in the application of digital radio technologies.

The organizers include Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the UN Department of Global Communications in Kazakhstan, and the Central Asia–China Journalism Research Association. The international event was moderated by Dr. Gulmira Sultanbayeva, Doctor of Political Science and Research Professor at Abai University.

During the opening ceremony dedicated to World Radio Day, Zhenisbek Tolen, Head of the Center for Education and Social Development Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, emphasized the strategic importance of integrating media with emerging technologies. Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Ertay Sultan, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Abai University; Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Information Bureau in Kazakhstan and representative of the UN Department of Global Communications; and other distinguished experts who elaborated on the role of the international winter school and the specific features of applying artificial intelligence in the media sphere.

The event also featured the presentation of six books published under the scientific supervision of Professor Gulmira Sultanbayeva and co-authored by a number of scholars. These works have already received high praise from the expert community.

Master classes, training sessions, analytical workshops, and discussion platforms will continue for ten days. Participants will enhance their knowledge through both online and offline learning formats.