India elected as Chair of AIBD Executive Board

Why in News ?

• At the 23rd AIBD (Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development) General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand, India was elected as the Chair of the AIBD Executive Board with the highest number of votes.
• This achievement reaffirms India’s five decades of credible media partnership and leadership.

India’s Return to Leadership

• This election marks a significant comeback for India in a top leadership role after 2016, when India last served as Chair of the AIBD Executive Council.
• This time, India has not only been given the leadership of the Executive Board but also holds the Chairmanship of the AIBD General Conference until August 2025.
• This dual leadership is considered a milestone for India.

About AIBD (Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development)

• Established: 1977, under the auspices of UNESCO
• Nature: Regional inter-governmental organization
• Membership: 92 organizations from 45 countries
• 26 Governmental members (48 national broadcasters)
• 44 Affiliate members (from Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America)
• India is a founding member of AIBD and is represented by Prasar Bharati (on behalf of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting).

23rd AIBD General Conference 2025

• Venue: Phuket, Thailand
• Dates: 19–21 August 2025
• Chair: Shri Gaurav Dwivedi (India)
• Theme: “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”
  
• At this conference, global broadcasting stakeholders gathered to discuss policy exchange, content collaboration, and strategies for media development.

Significance of India’s Election

1. Strengthens India’s role in the global media landscape.
2. Further consolidates India’s five-decade-long partnership with AIBD.
3. Provides India a leading voice in global media cooperation and development.
4. Demonstrates international trust in India’s public service broadcasting model through Prasar Bharati.