Creator( )euronews baku
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The first D-8 Media Forum concluded in Baku on Friday, continuation of the D-8 week of events in Azerbaijan. The Organization for Economic Cooperation of the Eight Developing Countries, known as the D-8, is strengthening its partnership with Azerbaijan, which became a full member in March 2025.
Although smaller than groups such as the G20 and OIC, the D-8 serves as a coordinating platform for major Muslim-majority developing countries in global economic discussions. The organization includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and now Azerbaijan. As a new member, Azerbaijan is working toward full integration into the bloc and has several initiatives underway, including plans for a transport excellence and energy and climate change center.
Creation of Media Excellence Center
The first D-8 Media Forum was expected to yield important results, including the creation of a media excellence center and new strategies to counter disinformation and related threats. The event was attended by approximately 150 delegates, including 71 foreign representatives from Member States and the D-8 Secretariat.
President Ilham Aliyev, in an address to forum participants on behalf of Presidential Advisor Hikmat Hajiyev, emphasized that “one of the fundamental tasks of the D-8 Media Forum is to build trusting cooperation among media outlets of member countries in order to build a fair, impartial, unbiased and responsible information space.”
At the opening ceremony, Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam D-8 Secretary-General said that the forum is one of the first major D-8 events hosted by Azerbaijan since it joined Azerbaijan in March.
He said the proposed D-8 Media Excellence Center “will help strengthen member states’ collective voice in the global information space.”
The Secretary-General also proposed the establishment of a broadcasting association for the D-8 countries. “This will bring together broadcasting professionals, including both radio and television, to exchange programs and news items and promote understanding and cultural context for D-8,” he said. If approved, the association will operate under the umbrella of the Media Excellence Center.
Malaysia tightens media regulations and regulation
In an interview with Euronews, Nur ul Afida Kamaruddin, CEO of Malaysian state news agency Bernama, spoke about the media challenges facing the country.
She acknowledged that misinformation and disinformation is rampant on social media. “Therefore, the Malaysian government is taking measures by putting in place strict rules and regulations, but this does not mean the government is trying to control the media. The number of cases involving fraud, pornography, pedophiles and even cyberbullying is increasing,” Kamarudin added.
The D-8 countries represent a combined population of more than 1 billion people and several rapidly growing economies. Azerbaijan’s membership marks the first expansion of the organization since its establishment approximately 30 years ago.