D-8 nations agree to strengthen media cooperation with Baku declaration

Leaders of the D-8 group of developing economies have adopted the Baku Declaration, aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of media.

The declaration was agreed during the D-8 Media Forum held in Baku, which focused on “Fostering Dialogue, Collaboration and Regional Cohesion,” Caliber.Az reports per local media.

In the declaration, participants expressed their appreciation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his leadership and contributions to strengthening the D-8, while also recognising the active involvement of all member states, particularly their ministries of information, national media authorities, and news agencies.

The document enshrines a commitment to enhance media cooperation among the D-8 countries in order to promote mutual understanding, regional solidarity, and shared development objectives.

Key provisions of the declaration include: institutionalising the D-8 Media Forum as an annual platform with a rotational hosting system; the imminent establishment of a D-8 Media Centre of Excellence in Azerbaijan for training, research, digital development, and coordination of communication initiatives; the development of exchange programmes, masterclasses, and professional internships to strengthen the human capital of D-8 countries; expanding collaboration among national media, news agencies, and public broadcasters; creating digital platforms for joint content production; combating disinformation and hate speech through shared fact-checking mechanisms; and reinforcing international cooperation with media organisations and research centres to enhance resilience against digital risks.

The declaration was read out by Guy Sean, Editor-in-Chief of Anewz.

By Aghakazim Guliyev