From August 12 to September 14, 2025, the All-Russian educational forum “SHUM” will take place in the Kaliningrad Region. Over the course of a month, the platform will bring together more than a thousand participants from the fields of media and journalism, representing countries across Europe and beyond. Among the attendees are expected to be professionals from Poland, Germany, France, and other European states. For many participants, this will be a unique opportunity to interact directly with colleagues from Russia, exchange practical experience, and explore new ways of cooperation.
The organizers emphasize that the forum is conceived as a space for open dialogue, addressing not only current challenges facing the media industry but also its long-term development prospects. The program includes lectures, workshops, and public discussions focused on pressing issues of today’s media landscape: from combating disinformation and fake news to developing innovative formats for engaging audiences. Participants will also have a chance to learn from successful case studies in digital media, explore strategies for strengthening independent journalism, and reflect on ethical questions and professional standards.
Particular attention will be given to practical skills such as working with verified sources, applying critical analysis to information, developing multimedia projects, and producing high-quality content across diverse platforms. This structure ensures that young professionals can not only deepen their theoretical knowledge but also put it into practice through hands-on experience.
According to the organizing committee, interest in this year’s event has been unprecedented: applications were received from 123 countries. This record number demonstrates the forum’s growing significance in the international agenda and highlights the professional community’s aspiration toward constructive cooperation.
International participation is seen as a vital step in strengthening professional ties, fostering sustainable dialogue between European and Russian journalists, and launching new joint projects. The “SHUM” forum positions itself as a platform for integrating young professionals, sharing best practices, and building mutual understanding within the global media environment. It illustrates a willingness to cooperate and serves as an example of how professional collaboration can transcend political barriers, uniting people around shared values and the pursuit of high-quality journalism.