Media Professionals Engage in Seminar on Promoting Inclusive Language in Azerbaijan

A seminar on “Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in Media” was held in Baku, bringing together media professionals, representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and experts to strengthen responsible and inclusive reporting practices.

The event was jointly organized by the United Nations in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing inclusive communication and disability rights.

Participants included members of the UN Communications Group and the UN Inclusion Working Group, as well as disability rights experts and representatives of OPDs. The seminar aimed to raise awareness among media professionals on the use of inclusive, non-discriminatory language and to promote accurate and respectful coverage of disability-related issues.

Through interactive sessions and practical group work, participants explored real-life examples and applied approaches to using empowering language in media content. A dedicated presentation on “Understanding Disability and Inclusion: Key Concepts and Terminology” provided a foundation for strengthening knowledge and shaping more inclusive narratives.

A highlight of the seminar was the interactive scene “The Words We Choose”, performed by Gular Fatali and Zinyat Aliyeva. Through a dialogue between a journalist and a university employee, the performance illustrated the importance of respectful, person-first language and demonstrated how storytelling can promote dignity, equality, and inclusion.

In her remarks, Vladanka Andreeva, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, highlighted the critical role of media in shaping public perceptions. She emphasized that journalists are not only storytellers but also key partners in driving social change. Responsible and inclusive journalism, she noted, can help reduce stigma and ensure that persons with disabilities are represented as rights-holders and active members of society.

The seminar was conducted in an interactive format, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among media representatives, persons with disabilities, experts, and government and UN stakeholders. It encouraged the development of stories that reflect dignity, equality, and individuality.

The initiative contributes to ongoing efforts in Azerbaijan to foster inclusive societies and promote equal opportunities for all.