A Return to Leadership After Nearly a Decade
This marks India’s return to the AIBD Executive Board Chairmanship after almost nine years, with the last tenure recorded in 2016. India is also concluding its role as President of the AIBD General Conference, making this dual leadership position a powerful reaffirmation of its trusted partnership within the broadcasting community.
Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati and President of the AIBD General Conference, expressed gratitude to member nations and organizations for their support. “Over the past five decades, India has stood committed to AIBD’s mission. We value the confidence placed in our leadership and look forward to strengthening collaboration through both collective initiatives and bilateral partnerships,” he said.
Established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development is a regional inter-governmental body that fosters cooperation and growth in broadcasting. With 92 member organizations from 45 countries, the institute has become a central platform for media development, training, and policy exchange.
The membership includes 26 government representatives comprising 48 national broadcasters, along with 44 affiliate members from Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Arab world, and North America. India, as a founding member, is represented by Prasar Bharati on behalf of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
The 23rd General Conference in Phuket
The 23rd AIBD General Conference, chaired by Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, brought together international stakeholders in electronic media under the theme “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity.” The gathering served as a platform for countries to exchange knowledge and resources aimed at building a cooperative media environment in the Asia-Pacific region.
Delegates discussed strategies for adapting to the fast-changing broadcasting landscape, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, inclusive programming, and collaborative training programs. India’s leadership was recognized as a stabilizing force in steering these conversations toward actionable solutions.
India’s Growing Influence in Global Broadcasting
India’s election as AIBD Chairman underscores its growing role in shaping international broadcasting standards and policies. With Prasar Bharati emerging as one of the largest public service broadcasters in the world, India’s leadership is expected to bring renewed focus on inclusive media growth, cross-border collaborations, and digital innovation.
The new appointment also reaffirms the global trust in India’s ability to balance technological progress with cultural diversity in broadcasting. As AIBD embarks on its next phase of growth, India’s chairmanship is expected to emphasize training, content sharing, and cooperation across developing nations.
A Shared Future for Media Development
Extending congratulations to all newly elected office bearers, Shri Dwivedi noted that India will work closely with member states to ensure AIBD continues to be a platform for innovation and shared learning. With challenges such as disinformation, technological disruption, and sustainability confronting media globally, collaborative institutions like AIBD are becoming more critical than ever.
This prestigious appointment not only highlights India’s diplomatic and institutional credibility but also signals a new chapter in its journey as a global leader in public service broadcasting.