KBRN, Baku: D-8 Forum adopted the Draft Baku Declaration 2025 on Collaborative Media Development and Cooperation among D-8 Member States at the end of their meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, Friday (11/21/2025). In the Declaration, D-8 call their members particularly their relevant Ministries, responsible for information, national media authorities, and media agencies for their active and valuable contributions to the proceedings of the Forum.

At the meeting, they also reaffirmed the principles of the D-8 and recognized the growing need for stronger cooperation in the evolving global media landscape. Thus, they declared to reaffirm their commitment to enhancing media cooperation among D-8 Member States to promote mutual understanding, regional solidarity, and shared development goals.

Besides, they acknowledged the proposal to institutionalize the D-8 Media Forum as a platform, hosted by D-8 member states to ensure inclusiveness and joint ownership. The members called for the earliest operationalization of the D-8 Media Excellence Center to be hosted by Azerbaijan as the central hub for training, research, innovation, digital capacity-building, and coordinated communication initiatives, with active participation from all Member States.

Moreover, they developed structured capacity-building programs, workshops, and professional exchanges through the D-8 Media Excellence Center to strengthen institutional and human resource capabilities across the D-8. The members of D-8 also agreed to enhance cooperation among national media authorities, news agencies, and public broadcasters to improve information exchange, harmonize strategies, and support joint content initiatives.

Furthermore, they took a note of the initiative to establish a Broadcasting Association of D-8 Countries to facilitate program exchange, co-production, and the sharing of cultural and educational content. the members encouraged the development of collaborative D-8 digital platforms for co-production, and crossborder storytelling, strengthening the visibility of D-8 narratives globally.

Afterwards, they promoted coordinated efforts to counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech through shared fact-checking mechanisms, common verification tools, and rapid communication channels. They also strengthened partnerships with international media organizations, research bodies, and global communication networks to build collective resilience against harmful digital content and emerging risks.

After that, the members upheld ethical journalism and support the development of a unified D-8 code of conduct that embodies professionalism, responsibility, and accuracy across all media formats.

Then, they advanced media literacy initiatives particularly for youth and educators to foster informed digital citizenship and safer online environments across Member States. They Supported responsible innovation in media technologies, including transparent and ethical use of artificial intelligence in content creation, verification, and governance.

Furthermore, they atrengthen cooperation among Institutes and Schools of Journalism, promoting fellowships, academic exchanges, and professional development for journalists.

The Forum also expresses their readiness to work closely with the leadership of the D-8 Media Excellence Center in Azerbaijan and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting its effective functioning, advancing shared priorities, and fostering stronger media cooperation across all D-8 Member States. They 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 nations.

At the end, D-8 member countries expressed their gratitude to the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the excellent arrangements that ensured the successful convening of the first-ever D-8 Media Forum.