India to Lead Executive Board of AIBD | 26 Aug 2025

Why in News?

India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) during the 23rd AIBD General Conference, held from 19th to 21st August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand.

This marks a significant milestone, as India last held the position of AIBD Executive Council Chairman in 2016.

About: The 23rd GC 2025 and Associated Meetings of AIBD brought together global stakeholders in electronic media, with a focus on promoting a dynamic and cooperative media landscape across the Asia-Pacific region through policy discussions and resource sharing.
- India is also the chairman of AIBD GC, with Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, serving as the President of the AIBD GC until August 2025.
Theme: The theme for the current year was “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”.
Significance: It highlights the global confidence in India’s leadership in the field of broadcasting and sets the stage for India to play an even more strategic and influential role in shaping media development worldwide.

Foundation: It was founded in 1977 under UNESCO's guidance, with India as a founding member.
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) are founding organizations of the Institute, and they are non-voting members of the General Conference.
- Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in the organization.
Membership: It is a unique regional inter-governmental organization with over 92 member organizations from 45 countries.
Secretariat: Its secretariat is situated in Kuala Lumpur and is hosted by the Government of Malaysia.