The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the EU Delegation to Tajikistan successfully concluded the two-week Summer School of Journalism 2026 on 12 July in Hissar, Tajikistan. The programme brought together 20 young journalists, journalism students, media professionals and editors representing all five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to strengthen professional media and communication practices.
Building on the success of the pilot programme launched in 2025, this year's Summer School offered a practice-oriented learning experience addressing the evolving challenges of today's media landscape. Through workshops and practical assignments, participants strengthened their skills in ethical reporting, fact-checking, media literacy, multimedia storytelling and responsible AI use.
The Summer School brought together international experts from Poland, Lithuania and Kosovo, alongside staff members from the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan. Together, they led sessions throughout the programme on journalism, media literacy, storytelling, data visualization and professional communication.
Bettina Ruigies from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media addressed media freedom standards and journalist safety, while OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights experts Marine Constant and Zala Čas provided training on trauma-informed interviewing and working with vulnerable sources. Experts from Tajikistan, including Asia-Plus reporters Umeda Davlatova and Mijgona Babajanova, complemented the programme with practical sessions on digital journalism, media law, social media and newsroom practice.
In her opening remarks, Tatiana Turcan, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, said: "The Summer School of Journalism is about more than developing professional skills. It is an investment in a community of journalists across Central Asia. The knowledge, skills and connections built here help lay the foundation of a regional network of professionals who support one another, uphold high standards and contribute to responsible journalism. You are not only participants in this programme. You are helping shape the future of journalism in the region."
At the conclusion of the Summer School, Ferdinand Jenrich, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation stated: "The European Union is proud to continuously support this Summer School as part of our commitment to fostering independent, ethical journalism across Central Asia. In an era of disinformation and shrinking civic spaces, initiatives like this empower young media professionals to uphold truth, accountability, and regional solidarity. By investing in their skills today, we strengthen the foundations of a more transparent and connected future for all."
For the first time, the Summer School included field reporting exercises, allowing participants to conduct street interviews and apply their skills in a real reporting environment. Participants also visited a television newsroom and developed their own story proposals and projects with guidance from experienced trainers. The programme concluded with participants presenting their final story proposals and projects to a professional panel.
Reflecting on the experience, participant Naima Radzhabova, PR Manager at Somon.tj, a leading digital platform in Tajikistan, said: "Looking back at these two weeks, I can honestly say this experience changed the way I think about our profession. I came here for journalism, and I'm leaving with lasting friendships and professional connections."
The initiative also fostered regional dialogue and networking among media professionals from Central Asia, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the promotion of ethical and responsible journalism.
The Summer School is part of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the European Union's continued joint efforts to support media development, strengthen professional standards and promote access to quality information. The Office and the EU Delegation are also developing future initiatives to continue supporting young journalists and fostering regional media networks.
