UNA-OIC Executive Council Approves Draft Resolutions for Joint Media

The executive council of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA-OIC) approved a series of draft resolutions aimed at enhancing collaborative Islamic media efforts during its 26th meeting, held virtually from Jeddah on January 24, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid, acting chairman of the executive council, president of the General Assembly, and acting president of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), with participation from OIC Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and other council members. The approvals represent a significant step toward strengthening joint media initiatives across member states.

Context and Background

The meeting took place as Islamic news agencies face rapid transformations in the global media landscape, driven by digitization and new content production technologies. Alzaid emphasized that adapting to these changes requires a substantial shift in both the nature of media and its business models. The UNA-OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, serves as a key platform for coordinating media strategies among 57 member states, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of fostering international cooperation and media modernization under Vision 2030.

Key Details

During the session, the executive council approved the union’s final accounts and budget for 2025, ensuring financial sustainability for upcoming projects. Several draft resolutions were also endorsed, all designed to bolster joint Islamic media efforts and improve the infrastructure of news agencies within member states. These resolutions are set to be submitted to the OIC General Assembly for final adoption. OIC Secretary General Taha expressed appreciation for the union’s progress, welcoming new media projects that enhance the organization’s communication capabilities.

International and Regional Implications

The approved resolutions are expected to foster greater media collaboration, particularly in promoting accurate reporting on issues affecting the Islamic world, including the Palestinian cause. State of Palestine General-Supervisor of Official Media Ahmed Assaf commended the union’s support for Palestine, highlighting the UNA-OIC’s role under its current leadership. UNA-OIC Director-General Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbo Al-Yami underscored the importance of meeting member states’ aspirations in the media sector, signaling enhanced regional coordination and information exchange.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The meeting and its outcomes directly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in media diplomacy and its commitment to building a modern, collaborative Islamic media ecosystem. By facilitating digitization and advancing media infrastructure, the UNA-OIC under Saudi stewardship contributes to a future-ready media landscape that promotes cultural understanding and economic growth across the Islamic world.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main outcome of the UNA-OIC executive council meeting?

A1. The executive council approved several draft resolutions aimed at enhancing collaborative Islamic media efforts, along with the union’s final accounts and budget for 2025.

Q2. Who chaired the 26th meeting of the UNA-OIC executive council?

A2. The meeting was chaired by Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid, acting chairman of the council, president of the General Assembly, and acting president of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Q3. When and where was the meeting held?

A3. The meeting was held virtually from Jeddah on January 24, 2025, with participation from OIC Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and other council members.

Q4. What key priorities did Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid highlight at the meeting?

A4. Alzaid emphasized the need for a significant shift in media nature and business models to adapt to industry changes, focusing on digitization and enhancing production processes.

Q5. How did OIC Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha respond to the union’s progress?

A5. He expressed great appreciation for the union’s progress and significant achievements, welcoming new media projects that enhance the organization’s media efforts.

Q6. What did the council approve regarding financial matters?

A6. The executive council approved the union’s final accounts and budget for 2025, ensuring financial stability for upcoming initiatives.

Q7. What are the draft resolutions aimed at?

A7. The resolutions are designed to enhance collaborative Islamic media efforts and improve the infrastructure of news agencies within OIC member states.

Q8. Where will the approved draft resolutions be submitted next?

A8. The resolutions will be submitted to the OIC General Assembly for final adoption and implementation.

Q9. How did the representative from Palestine react to the outcomes?

A9. Ahmed Assaf, State of Palestine General-Supervisor of Official Media, commended the union’s remarkable progress and its support for the Palestinian cause.

Q10. What role does the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) play in the UNA-OIC?

A10. SPA holds key leadership positions within the union, with its acting president serving as chairman of the executive council and president of the General Assembly.

Q11. How does the meeting relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A11. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in media diplomacy and commitment to building a modern, collaborative Islamic media ecosystem that supports cultural understanding and economic growth.

Q12. What is the UNA-OIC’s primary mission?

A12. The union aims to coordinate media strategies among OIC member states, promote joint Islamic media efforts, and improve news agency infrastructure across the Islamic world.

Q13. How many member states are part of the OIC?

A13. The OIC comprises 57 member states, and the UNA-OIC serves as a platform for media cooperation among them.

Q14. What is the significance of digitization mentioned in the meeting?

A14. Digitization is seen as crucial for modernizing media operations, enabling news agencies to keep pace with global changes and improve content production.

Q15. Who is the Director-General of the UNA-OIC?

A15. The Director-General of the UNA-OIC is Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbo Al-Yami, who emphasized meeting member states’ media aspirations.

Q16. What was the format of the 26th meeting?

A16. The meeting was conducted virtually, reflecting the union’s adaptability to digital communication methods.

Q17. Is this the first time the council has approved resolutions for joint media?

A17. No, the council regularly holds meetings to approve resolutions and budgets as part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaborative media work.

Q18. How does the union support the Palestinian cause?

A18. The union supports the Palestinian cause through media initiatives that promote accurate reporting and highlight the issue within the Islamic world.

Q19. What is the relationship between the UNA-OIC and the OIC?

A19. The UNA-OIC is a specialized body within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, focused on media coordination and development among member states.

Q20. What future impacts are expected from these resolutions?

A20. The resolutions are expected to foster greater media collaboration, improve news agency infrastructure, and strengthen the Islamic world’s collective media voice globally.

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