Baku: Malaysia will participate in the inaugural D-8 Media Forum on Friday, joining the chorus of media practitioners and leaders from across the Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) member states in Azerbaijan's capital. Leading Malaysia's delegation is Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, reflecting the country's commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in news reporting, advancing media innovation, and addressing misinformation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the forum, themed 'Fostering Dialogue, Collaboration and Regional Cohesion', brings together media professionals, policymakers, scholars, and communication experts. The aim is to encourage mutual understanding, strengthen professional networks, and support constructive media dialogue. Organised by Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency (MEDIA), the forum seeks to establish a unified information environment to combat disinformation and fragmented news while fostering solidarity among member states.

The event provides a platform for journalists and media leaders to share insights, highlight success stories, and explore joint projects and cross-border collaboration. The forum's agenda features two panel sessions titled 'Responsible Journalism and Digital Innovation' and 'Strategic Communication and Crisis Management,' alongside a workshop led by international media and communication expert, Tiffany J. Bell.

Azerbaijan became the ninth member of the D-8 in December 2024, marking the first expansion in the bloc's 27-year history. The D-8 currently includes Azerbaijan, Trkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Egypt currently holds the D-8 Chairmanship, which will be handed over to Indonesia for a two-year term starting Jan 1, 2026.