OIC news agencies to discuss role of media in sustainable development

By Mahmoud Barakat

ANKARA (AA) – The Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation News Agencies (UNA) will discuss media cooperation with Russia regarding issues of sustainable economic development and economic prosperity.

The discussion will be held on Thursday for two days in Kazan, Russia, in an extended session dubbed "Russia - the Islamic World: Media Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity," UNA said in a statement.

The session will be held within the framework of the International Economic Forum "Russia – the Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2023" in Kazan on May 18-19.

The information department in the OIC General Secretariat, the Islamic Centre for Trade Development and several news agencies and media outlets from OIC countries and Russia will participate in the session, organized in cooperation with Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications in Tatarstan (Tatmedia).

"The upcoming session is a chance to address global media challenges, build connections and share information among news agencies, and promote peace and tolerance in the media industry," said Mohammed Abd Rabbo Al-Yami, the Acting General Director of UNA.

For his part, Aidar Salimgarayev, head of Tatmedia, said: “Media cooperation – “media diplomacy” – promotes the diplomacy of its states in modern conditions and provides equal access to information.”

“In this regard, Russia stands for an active dialogue with the countries of the Islamic world to combat common information threats,” he added.

Bringing together representatives from international organizations, public and financial institutions, officials from embassies, lawmakers, investors and businesspeople, the International Economic Forum will include over 200 events, including 140 thematic meetings.

The annual forum aims to enhance cooperation between Russia and the OIC member states.