D-8 MEDIA FORUM CONCLUDES WITH ADOPTION OF BAKU DECLARATION 2025

By Sh Nur Shahrizad Sy Mohamed Shaher

BAKU (AZERBAIJAN) Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The inaugural D-8 Media Forum concluded Friday with the adoption of Baku Declaration 2025 on Collaborative Media Development and Cooperation among member states of the Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8).

The declaration reaffirms stronger media cooperation across the organisation, including support for the early establishment of the D-8 Media Excellence Centre in Azerbaijan.

According to the declaration, the centre is to be established in Azerbaijan. 

“The Centre will act as the central hub for training, research, innovation, digital capacity-building and coordinated communication initiatives, with active participation from all member states,” according to the Declaration. 

It reaffirms the commitment to enhance media cooperation among D-8 Member States to promote mutual understanding, regional solidarity and shared development goals.

The one-day forum also acknowledged the proposal to institutionalise the D-8 Media Forum as an annual platform, to be hosted on a rotational basis to ensure inclusiveness and joint ownership among its member countries.

Member states have agreed to develop structured capacity-building programmes,  workshops and professional exchanges through the centre to strengthen institutional and human resource capabilities across the D-8.

The declaration also highlighted the need to enhance cooperation among national media authorities, news agencies and public broadcasters to improve information exchange, harmonise communication strategies and support joint content development.

In addition, the forum took note of the initiative to establish a Broadcasting Association of D-8 Countries, aimed at facilitating programme exchange, co-production and the sharing of cultural and educational content.

“We are convinced that the effective implementation of this declaration will contribute to a more interconnected, informed and resilient D-8 media space, supporting peace, development and mutual understanding among our nation,” the declaration reads.

The forum brought together around 150 participants, including 71 foreign guests from eight member countries to discuss collaborative approaches in addressing issues such as misinformation, digital fragmentation and the strengthening of regional narratives.

Founded in 1997, the D-8 currently comprises Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA