Shusha, July 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: The strategy of the D-8 Media Excellence Center was officially presented during the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, highlighting Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening media cooperation and innovation among member states of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation.
Speaking ahead of the presentation, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s active role within the D-8 framework, describing the country as a fully-fledged member of the organization.
He emphasized the significance of the D-8 platform in promoting global economic cooperation and said Azerbaijan places great importance on the organization’s initiatives. Hajiyev noted that President Ilham Aliyev had welcomed the establishment of both the D-8 Media Excellence Center and the Transport and Energy Excellence Center in Azerbaijan, adding that the first tangible outcomes of the initiative are already becoming evident.
“The D-8 Media Excellence Center will serve as an important platform for expanding media cooperation among member states,” Hajiyev said, underscoring its role in fostering stronger communication and collaboration across the organization.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation, thanked all member states for their collective efforts in advancing the initiative and supporting its implementation.
During the presentation, Fuad Mardiyev, Director General of the Media Excellence Hub, outlined the center’s strategic vision, explaining that its primary objectives include enhancing media cooperation among D-8 member countries, promoting professional development, encouraging research and innovation, and establishing a unified platform for media collaboration.
The session was moderated by political scientist Ulviyya Zulfikar and formed part of the broader agenda of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, which brings together policymakers, media professionals, and experts to discuss the evolving global media landscape and opportunities for international cooperation.
