International Scientific Conference: “Agroecological and Climate-Smart Reporting and Communication”

Caucasus International University (CIU) in partnership with the Journalism Resource Center (JRC) hosted an international scientific conference “Agroecological and Climate-Smart Reporting and Communication” on December 10–11. The event was held with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The conference represents the first academic and analytical platform in the South Caucasus dedicated to climate-smart journalism, agro-communication and strengthening of cooperation between regional media-universities.

The main objective of the conference was to identify existing challenges in the field, highlight the significance of cross-border cooperation and media partnerships in the process of climate-resilient development, share best practices, and lay the foundation for a long-term regional research and educational network.

The conference opened in the panoramic space of Caucasus International University Multimedia Center. Kakhaber Kordzaia, Rector of CIU; Natia Kuprashvili, Head of JRC; Professor Nino Chalaghanidze, Advisor to CIU Chancellor; and Helen Bradbury, Head of the ALCP Program addressed the audience.

CIU Rector Kakhaber Kordzaia placed emphasis on the significance of developing accurate, fact-based information policies in the areas of climate change and the agricultural sector: “Climate change is a global challenge… Under such conditions, it is especially important that accurate and clear information reaches the public. Universities and the media can jointly contribute to the success of this process—universities generate new knowledge, while the media is responsible for delivering this knowledge to society”.

Nino Chalaghanidze noted that CIU has been actively working on these issues for a long time. She stated that the first step was the publication of the textbook “Agrojournalism,” which has been published in five languages and introduced in media schools across the South Caucasus. She also confirmed that the goal of the conference is to outline effective ways of communicating existing problems to the audience so that, in the future, society may change its behavior toward nature.

Helen Bradbury highlighted that coverage of climate adaptation issues is vital for the populations of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, whose livelihoods are closely linked to agriculture.

The conference was conducted in two sessions. Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani scholars participated in the general plenary session moderated by Natia Kuprashvili. They presented to the audience the results of sector-specific research on climate-smart journalism and coverage of the agricultural sector.

The second part of the event consisted of two parallel modules: Scientific Researches (Moderator: Nino Chalaghanidze) – 15 scientific papers were presented at the conference, addressing issues caused by climate change and their socio-economic impacts; Student Sessions (Coordinator: Nina Kheladze, JRC) – the active involvement of students aimed to showcase young researchers and promote awareness and innovation in climate-smart journalism.

Within the framework of the conference, a plenary session was held in the audiovisual space “Holiseum” on December 11. The main theme of the session was “Media Engagement in Climate-Smart Storytelling: Prospects for the Development of Agriculture and Agritourism”. The discussion involved high-level representatives from sectoral associations, academic circles and media organizations.

The concluding part of the conference featured the award ceremony for the winners of an international media competition. The Journalism Resource Center (JRC) recognized South Caucasian journalists who most effectively covered issues related to climate change, sustainable agriculture and local development. The awards were presented to Nanuka Meshvelashvili, Samira Bayramova, Khachik Danielian and Anzhela Stepanyan.

On the final day of the conference, Vakhtang Tsivtsivadze, Chancellor of Caucasus International University, attended the event and, in his address, emphasized the strategic importance of the conference for the development of climate-smart journalism and the strengthening of a regional educational network. The Chancellor also participated in the award ceremony and personally presented an award to one of the winning participants.

It is noteworthy that nearly 100 submissions were received for the competition, indicating strong media interest in climate change and environmental issues. The works of the winning contestants will be integrated into educational modules on climate change reporting.

Towards the end of the event, certificates were awarded to all conference participants, and selected articles will be published in a scientific journal.