Drawing on the 35-year history of “Xalq so‘zi” and “Narodnoye Slovo” — the official publications of the Councils of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan — participants examined the emergence and development of national journalism, its key stages of evolution, and its responsibilities in today’s information landscape.
The conference’s main session was moderated by Xusan Ermatov, a member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Editor-in-Chief of the “Ishonch” and “Ishonch — Doveriye” newspapers. Discussions focused on the publications’ historical legacy, approaches to parliamentary reporting, editorial accountability, and adherence to professional standards.
O‘tkir Rahmatov, Editor-in-Chief of “Xalq so‘zi” and “Narodnoye Slovo”, delivered a presentation on the role of these publications in the formation and development of the press during the independence era. Particular emphasis was placed on harmonising journalistic traditions with contemporary realities and innovative perspectives.
Almaz Kulmatov, Editor-in-Chief of Kyrgyzstan’s Kyrgyz Tuusu newspaper, shared his experience in covering parliamentary affairs. Adiljan Banu, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Egemen Qazaqstan, addressed the challenge of maintaining the competitiveness of political publications in the contemporary media landscape.
Economic journalism, the contribution of parliamentary publications to economic commentary, the pragmatic impact of media texts on human thought, and the preservation of professional standards amid digital transformation were also explored. In particular, presentations by Said Rahmonov, Xojarbibi Ataboyeva, and Malika Axmedova focused on economic analysis, media influence, and professional standards in journalism.
Engagement with the expertise of international scholars and journalists enabled participants to compare the development of national journalism with international practices, explore advanced approaches, and identify opportunities for broader professional cooperation.
The conference also addressed journalistic ethics, objectivity, accountability for information, analytical coverage of reforms in the life of the state and society, media literacy, professional training, the development of the “Ustoz–shogird” (mentor–apprentice) tradition, and cooperation between print media, online publications, and social media platforms.
As part of the high-level event, a formal ceremony was held to admit a number of employees of “Xalq so‘zi” and “Narodnoye Slovo” into the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and present them with membership certificates.
Beyond reflecting on the newspapers’ 35-year legacy, this international academic and practical conference served as an important platform for professional exchange, contributing to the strengthening of national journalism’s institutional capacity, the advancement of professional standards, and the adaptation of the media sector to the demands of the digital age.
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