Strengthening information resilience
With the pervasive influence of biased media, particularly from external state actors, Central Asians are often bombarded with one-sided information. The region's linguistic diversity, including many Russian speakers, further complicates the information landscape, particularly with Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The European Union, recognising the critical need for diverse and reliable information, has partnered with Internews to launch the Resilience and Engagement with Varied Information for a Vibrant Environment (REVIVE) project. From August 2022 to January 2024, REVIVE has been instrumental in enhancing the media landscape by training journalists and promoting cross-border collaborations. A few main achievements:
Amplifying voices
REVIVE’s 20 media partners reached out to traditionally underserved groups, such as youth, residents in remote areas, people with disabilities, and the elderly, ensuring their stories and perspectives are heard. The initiative has successfully generated over 824 pieces of content, reaching 35 million people and garnering significant online interaction. These efforts have not only diversified the media narrative but also promoted inclusivity and societal change.
Educational outreach
The project has also emphasised the importance of media and digital literacy, organising campaigns that involved more than 4,500 participants and reached millions more online. These campaigns have fostered a critical understanding of media consumption among the public and government officials alike, leading to increased demands for training in media literacy in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Youth engagement and development
Youth Content Creation Camps have been a cornerstone of REVIVE, empowering 41 young activists in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to create impactful social media content. This initiative has supported projects that enhance the role of women, counteract misinformation, and promote peace and understanding.
Advocating for rights and freedoms
In Kyrgyzstan, the Media Action Platform has expanded its network to advocate for fundamental freedoms, marking a significant step in uniting media NGOs to safeguard democratic values. Similarly, in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, insights and campaigns have influenced national policies and programs to enhance media literacy and critical thinking.
Regional collaboration for peace
Through cross-border media cooperation, particularly with Internews Ukraine, the project has improved the quality of war reporting, ensuring that the narratives reflect the realities rather than propaganda. The content produced has reached millions, altering perceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of the war's impact.
Concluding with impact
The project culminated in the Central Asia Connect for Peace Festival, a vibrant gathering that celebrated the achievements of the initiatives and set the stage for future collaborations. This festival not only highlighted the successes but also planned the trajectory for ongoing efforts in the region.
The EU’s commitment to fostering a resilient and enlightened Central Asia continues to resonate through these initiatives, proving that informed communities are the bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society.