Table of contents
Context: What Happened?
India was elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) during the 23rd AIBD General Conference, held from August 19–21, 2025, in Phuket, Thailand.
- India last held this position in 2016
- Currently also serving as President of AIBD General Conference (2018–2023)
- Prasar Bharati is the representative body of India at AIBD
What is AIBD?
The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in August 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, aimed at promoting electronic media development across UN-ESCAP member nations.
It serves as a platform to:
- Shape mass media policy
- Foster inter-regional cooperation
- Promote regional programming aligned with Asia-Pacific values
- Support national media development, human resource training, and consultative support
About AIBD – Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | August 1977 |
| Hosted by | Government of Malaysia |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Founding Bodies | UNESCO, UNDP, ITU (non-voting members) |
| Membership | 26 Full Member Countries (49 organisations) 38 Affiliate Members (organisations) |
| Region Served | Countries of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) |
| India’s Nodal Agency | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, via Prasar Bharati |
Mandate and Functions of AIBD
AIBD aims to build a vibrant electronic media ecosystem in Asia-Pacific by:
- Mass Media Policy: Acts as a think-tank and reference hub
- Capacity Building: Offers training, HR development & consultative support
- Regional Cooperation: Promotes value-based programming and collaboration
- Digital Transformation: Helps members adapt to IT and broadcasting innovation
- Inter-Governmental Coordination: Links broadcasters with NGOs, academia, governments, and private players
💬 "AIBD is a window to the world for Asia-Pacific broadcasters."
India's Role: From Founder to Front-Runner
- India is a founding member of AIBD.
- Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, represents India at AIBD under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
- India held the Chairman position of the AIBD Executive Board previously in 2016 and has now been elected again during the 23rd General Conference (Phuket, Thailand, Aug 19–21, 2025).
- India also holds the Presidency of the AIBD General Conference, having served two consecutive terms (2018–2021 and 2021–2023).
Significance for India
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Soft Power | Enhances India's leadership in media diplomacy |
| Digital Media Cooperation | Promotes India's expertise in public service broadcasting, fact-checking, and digitisation |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Reflects India's push for value-based, inclusive, multilingual broadcasting in the region |
| Strategic Engagement | Boosts India’s visibility in multilateral institutions, aligned with Act East & Indo-Pacific strategies |
🎙️ "Media today is the message of diplomacy. India is shaping that message globally."
PYQ Linkages & UPSC Themes
| Relevant UPSC Areas | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Prelims | International institutions; India’s role; Prasar Bharati |
| GS Paper 2 | Regional & global groupings; India's bilateral & multilateral outreach |
| Interview | Soft power, UNESCO-related institutions, digital public goods |
| Essay | "Media as the new diplomacy frontier" or "Global India, Media India" |
UPSC Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to AIBD, consider the following:
- It is a BRICS initiative to promote regional broadcasting standards.
- UNESCO is one of its founding organisations.
- Private broadcasters are allowed as full members.
Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
Q2. Consider the following about India's role in AIBD:
- Prasar Bharati represents India at AIBD.
- India hosted the 23rd AIBD General Conference in 2025.
- India has held the position of AIBD President and Chairman both.
Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
Q3. AIBD serves which of the following functions?
- Promotes Asia-Pacific programming with traditional values
- Acts as a training and consultancy hub for broadcasters
- Facilitates disaster response coordination for ESCAP countries
Select the correct code:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Final Takeaway
India’s leadership at AIBD reflects the rise of Indian soft power in global digital diplomacy.
In a time when narratives are as powerful as policies, media diplomacy matters — and India is leading from the front.
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