The D-8 Media Forum Concludes in Baku
The inaugural D-8 Media Forum concluded in Baku on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing events of the D-8 Week in Azerbaijan. The Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, commonly referred to as the D-8, is deepening its partnership with Azerbaijan, which officially became a full member in March 2025.
Although smaller in scale compared to groups like the G20 or the OIC, the D-8 serves as a vital platform for major developing Muslim-majority nations to engage in global economic discussions. The organisation currently comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and now Azerbaijan. As a new member, Azerbaijan is actively working to integrate fully into the bloc, proposing several initiatives such as plans for Transport Excellence and Energy and Climate Centres.
Creation of a Media Excellence Centre
The first D-8 Media Forum was anticipated to produce important outcomes, including the establishment of a Media Excellence Centre and the development of new strategies to combat disinformation and related threats. Approximately 150 delegates attended the event, with 71 foreign representatives from member states and the D-8 Secretariat.
In his address to the forum participants, delivered by Presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev on his behalf, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that “one of the primordial tasks of the D-8 Media Forum is to form a credible collaboration between media institutions of member countries to build a just, impartial, non-biased and responsible information space.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, D-8 Secretary General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam highlighted that this forum represents one of the first major D-8 events hosted by Azerbaijan since its accession to the organization in March. He noted that the proposed D-8 Media Excellence Centre “will help strengthen member states’ collective voice in the global information space.”
The Secretary General also suggested the creation of a Broadcasting Association for D-8 countries. “This will bring together broadcasting outfits, including both radio and television, for the exchange of programmes and news items, and promote the understanding and cultural background of D-8,” he said. If approved, the association would operate under the umbrella of the Media Excellence Centre.
Malaysia Tightens Media Rules and Regulations
In an interview, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, CEO of Malaysia’s National News Agency BERNAMA, discussed the media challenges facing her country. She confirmed that misinformation and disinformation are widespread on social media platforms. “That’s why the government of Malaysia is taking steps to cope with it by having stringent rules and regulations, but this doesn’t mean that the government is trying to control the media,” Kamaludin stated.
She added that the number of cases involving scams, pornography, pedophilia, and even cyberbullying is increasing. This has prompted the government to implement stricter regulations to address these growing concerns.
The D-8 countries collectively represent more than one billion people and several rapidly growing economies. Azerbaijan’s accession marks the first expansion of the organisation since its establishment nearly thirty years ago.
