India has achieved a historic milestone in international broadcasting diplomacy by being elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD). This announcement came during the 23rd AIBD General Conference (GC 2025), held from 19–21 August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand, where India secured the position with the highest number of votes.
This election is significant as India last held the position of AIBD Executive Council Chairman in 2016. With this development, India’s leadership role within AIBD has been reaffirmed, coinciding with its ongoing tenure as President of the AIBD General Conference, which continues until August 2025.
India’s Statement on the Appointment
On this occasion, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati and President of AIBD GC, expressed gratitude to all member countries and organizations for their trust and confidence. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, he said:
“We deeply value the confidence placed in India’s leadership. Over the past five decades, we have worked as a team within AIBD in various capacities, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration both collectively and through bilateral partnerships in organizing future AIBD programs and initiatives.”
He also congratulated all the newly elected office bearers and highlighted India’s commitment to taking AIBD to greater heights in the coming years.
About AIBD
The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was established in 1977 under UNESCO as a unique inter-governmental organization. Today, AIBD has more than 92 member organizations from 45 countries, including:
- 26 Government Members represented by 48 national broadcasters
- 44 Affiliate Members from 28 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America
India is one of the founding members of AIBD, and Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in the organization.
Highlights of the 23rd AIBD General Conference 2025
The 23rd General Conference and Associated Meetings of AIBD concluded successfully under the chairmanship of Shri Gaurav Dwivedi. The conference brought together global stakeholders in broadcasting and electronic media, promoting dialogue on media policies, cooperation, and knowledge sharing.
The theme of GC 2025 was “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”, emphasizing the crucial role of media in fostering inclusive growth, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.
India’s Global Role in Broadcasting
India’s election as the Chairman of the AIBD Executive Board reflects the growing global confidence in India’s leadership in media and broadcasting. This appointment strengthens India’s position as a strategic voice in shaping the future of broadcasting, policy exchange, and capacity-building initiatives worldwide.
As broadcasting continues to evolve with digital transformation, India’s proactive leadership in AIBD 2025 is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping media development, promoting international cooperation, and ensuring that broadcasting serves as a tool for people-centric progress and prosperity.
With this achievement, India has once again reinforced its commitment to media diplomacy, setting the stage for greater collaboration and leadership in the global broadcasting landscape.
