BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. On May 20, the Media
Development Agency (MEDIA) held a bilateral meeting with Sohail
Mahmud, Secretary-General of the D-8 Economic Cooperation
Organization, who is visiting Azerbaijan as part of the 13th
session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports.
During the meeting, MEDIA Executive Director Ahmad Ismayilov
highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in the media
sector among D-8 member states. He emphasized promoting experience
exchange between media organizations and relevant institutions,
strengthening media literacy in today’s information environment,
developing coordinated strategies against misinformation and
disinformation, and fostering a professional and sustainable media
ecosystem amid digital transformation.
Secretary-General Mahmud stressed the significance of mutual
visits, professional exchange programs, joint media initiatives,
and collaborative projects among D-8 countries. He also underlined
the potential for cooperation in media content production and
distribution, as well as the responsible use of innovative
technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the media
sector.
The discussion also covered the activities of the D-8 Media
Center of Excellence, its role as a platform for coordinated
communication initiatives, and prospects for joint work in media
and information security.
By the way, today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
