Context:

• From 19 to 21 August 2025, India was elected as the Chair of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) with the highest number of votes during the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand.

Key Points:

• This achievement highlights India’s leadership capabilities in the global and regional broadcasting sector.
• India, already serving as the Chair of the AIBD General Conference (GC) until August 2025, further strengthens its position with this new role.
• India previously chaired the Executive Board in 2016, making this re-election a significant milestone.

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)

• Established: 1977
• Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Primary Objective: Promote the development of electronic media in the Asia-Pacific region
• Structure: Government broadcasting service established under UNESCO’s initiative

Key Goals of AIBD:

• Policy and Resource Development: Develop media policies at regional and global levels and share resources
• Capacity Building: Provide training and consultancy services for media professionals
• Regional Cooperation: Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among member countries
• Innovation: Integrate emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), into media

Membership:

• Currently includes over 92 organizations from 45 countries:

• • 26 Government Members (represented by 48 national broadcasters)
  • 44 Affiliate Members (from 28 countries and territories)
  • 50+ Partners (from Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab countries, and North America)
• India is a founding member of AIBD, represented by Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Responsibilities of the Executive Board:

• Financial Management: Oversee the organization’s budget and resources
• Administrative and Organizational Development: Policy decisions and strategic guidance
• Program Development: Implement programs such as training and consultancy

23rd AIBD General Conference

• Held in Phuket, Thailand, from 19–21 August 2025, with the theme “Media for People, Peace, and Prosperity.”

Key Discussions:

• • AIBD Strategic Plan 2025–2029: Strengthening the role of media and adopting new technologies such as AI
  • New Steering Committees: Proposal of three new committees focused on emerging technologies, content, and sustainability
  • Regional Cooperation: Role of media in countering misinformation, promoting cultural understanding, and supporting economic growth
• The conference was hosted by Thailand’s Public Relations Department (PRD), and its Director-General, Sudarute Lertkasem, chaired the Executive Board meeting

UNESCO – General Information

• Full Name: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Established: 1945
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Primary Objective: Promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication
• World Heritage Convention (1972): An international agreement established by UNESCO
• World Heritage Sites in India: 44 sites, including Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ajanta and Ellora Caves (first listed in 1983)

Recently Added Sites in India:

1. Maratha Military Landscape (2025): Includes 11 forts in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu – India’s 44th World Heritage Site
2. Moidams – Ahom Dynasty Burial System (2024): Unique burial system in Assam – India’s 43rd site
3. Shantiniketan (2023): Cultural and educational center founded by Rabindranath Tagore
4. Hoysala Temple Group (2023): Temples in Belur, Halebid, and Somanathpur, Karnataka

• World Heritage Day: Celebrated annually on 18 April (2025 theme: “Heritage at Risk from Disasters and Conflicts: Learning and Preparation from 60 Years of ICOMOS Action”)