We live in an era that not only offers humanity new opportunities but also presents significant challenges. In this current century, when it is difficult to keep up with the speed at which information is provided and disseminated, the communication ecosystem is undergoing a process of radical transformation. However, while this transformation process promises positive progress, it also brings with it moral, cultural, and humanitarian trials. In this entirely new and complex age, where technology is rapidly evolving, artificial intelligence and algorithms, which have become part of daily life, are no longer simply tools but actors shaping the balance of power.

In today’s world, where the line between truth and falsehood is increasingly blurred and humanity grapples with uncertainties — the "crisis of the truth system" — we face enormous challenges. We know that the only way to overcome this tangled mess is through the development of effective communication strategies.

For the benefit of society, our priorities should be: effective analysis, management of opportunities and threats in the communication ecosystem formed by technologies. The evolving events change the communication habits of society, and digital media have become an essential part of our lives. The most striking aspect of these changes is seen in the influence of artificial intelligence on communication processes.

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly transforming our world and all industries. Today, artificial intelligence is presented to us as a force that is changing the rules of the game in strategic communications. The opportunities it offers in areas such as crisis management, data analysis, and content creation provide speed and efficiency that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Ideas that once could only be seen in science fiction films are now easily accessible to everyone. However, unfortunately, this technological progress can turn into a digital weapon if not used for the right purposes.

While artificial intelligence, capable of creating deepfakes and content indistinguishable from fake news, undermines public trust and exacerbates the crisis of the truth system, it significantly increases the destructive consequences of disinformation, manipulation, and ethical violations. In a world controlled by algorithms, people trapped in echo chambers fuel social polarization, and manipulations replace the truth. This situation highlights the fact that artificial intelligence should be managed with ethical principles. The use of artificial intelligence in the digital space creates many challenges, such as accountability, transparency, and ethics.

Of course, one cannot deny the tremendous advantages that technological and digital capabilities provide to humanity. Similarly, we cannot ignore the existence of those who use these capabilities with malicious intent, posing a threat to global security and stability. Against such destructive consequences, Türkiye is making intensive efforts to prevent disinformation through strategic communication mechanisms, protect the truth, and ensure the international community’s access to accurate information. Enhancing media literacy and raising awareness of digital threats is one of our priorities in the fight against various modern risks. The importance of global cooperation to manage the complex transformation in the digital realm is increasingly felt each day. On behalf of Türkiye, we continue our efforts, supporting international cooperation in the fight for truth.

As part of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's vision of "Türkiye’s Century," Türkiye occupies a strategic position in this era of transformation. Our principles are based on offering technology for the benefit of humanity, prioritizing social welfare, and adopting a communication approach grounded in truth. In this new era, we see strategic communication as the key to managing uncertainty and establishing trust. Türkiye plays an active role in this field at both national and international levels. Our efforts to fight disinformation, carried out by the Communications Directorate of the Presidency, have long been resolutely focused on countering the crisis of the truth system and developing effective solutions within this framework. We consider crisis communication as one of the most important areas of strategic communication processes supported by artificial intelligence. Quick access to accurate information and effective public communication play a vital role in times of crisis.

During this period, when we feel the winds of change in the digital age, the STRATCOM – International Forum on Strategic Communications, which we will host on December 13-14, 2024, will be a leading platform for discussing these opportunities and risks in depth on a global scale. The forum, bringing together representatives from governments, media, academia, civil society, and the private sector from around the world, will be a center where ideas shaping the future of the strategic communications ecosystem will be shared. However, it would be wrong to consider STRATCOM solely as a forum.

STRATCOM: International Forum on Strategic Communications is a global call that forms collective will to address the challenges of the digital age and the crisis of the truth system. We value the importance of this global call, as the revolutions in artificial intelligence and strategic communications come with great responsibility. We understand that we must act with an understanding that does not jeopardize the principles of truth, conscience, and justice for the common future of humanity. Guided by this understanding, Türkiye will continue to be a model country not only in its region but also globally.

Head of the Communications Directorate of the Republic of Türkiye, Professor Fahrettin Altun