Baku: The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Media Forum commenced in Baku, focusing on the theme ‘Fostering Dialogue, Collaboration, and Regional Cohesion.’ The event saw participation from heads of media institutions, leading media organizations from D-8 member states, high-ranking officials, and experts.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hikmet Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the Forum attendees. In his speech, D-8 Secretary-General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam underlined the importance of cooperation in media and communication sectors alongside economic collaboration. He mentioned Azerbaijan’s contributions as a new member and highlighted the roadmap established at the recent D-8 High-Level Climate and Urban Dialogue.
The Secretary-General pointed out that the organization aims to expand its influence by enhancing its international media presence. This will be achieved through the creation of a general broadcasting association, journalism schools, and scholarship programs within member states, thus establishing a center of excellence for media development within the D-8 group.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, acknowledged Azerbaijan’s considerable efforts toward institutional development since joining the D-8. He discussed the significant changes in the global information landscape driven by technological advancements like AI and quantum computing, as well as geopolitical factors. Tarar emphasized the growing importance of digital media ecosystems for public trust as traditional media experiences a decline.
Other prominent speakers, including Noor Md Mahbubul Haq from Bangladesh, Essam El-Amir from Egypt, Agustaviano Sofjan from Indonesia, Alireza Miryousefi Aval from Iran, and Bora Bayraktar from Trkiye, stressed the need for enhanced interaction among D-8 member states. They highlighted the organization’s potential as a regional platform with global influence, owing to its large human resources, economic potential, and cultural diversity. The Forum was described as a testament to the friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust among member states, with media development identified as a strategically important area for collaboration.