Jeddah, January 24, 2025 — The Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA-OIC) held its 26th Executive Council meeting today, chaired by Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid, the acting chairman of the council. Alzaid, who also serves as the president of the General Assembly and acting president of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), led the meeting, which brought together key figures including OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and other prominent council members.
The meeting, conducted virtually, opened with remarks from Alzaid, who emphasized the need for the media sector to adapt to the rapid changes in the industry. He highlighted that such adaptation requires a significant transformation in both the nature of media and its business models. Alzaid stressed that the UNA-OIC has a critical role to play in driving forward programs and strategies designed to digitize media operations and enhance the production of high-quality media content through the latest technological advancements. This focus on modernization is essential for keeping pace with the evolving global media landscape.
OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha expressed deep appreciation for the progress made by the union in recent years. He acknowledged the union’s achievements in strengthening media infrastructure within member states and enhancing the overall media efforts of the organization. Taha also highlighted the union's role in providing a platform for member states to collaborate and share knowledge on improving media practices, which is crucial for fostering a more united and effective OIC media presence on the global stage.
During the meeting, Ahmed Assaf, the General Supervisor of Official Media in the State of Palestine, praised the ongoing efforts and achievements of the UNA-OIC under its current leadership. He particularly commended the union’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, which continues to be a key focus in the organization’s media strategies. This continued advocacy for Palestine demonstrates the union’s commitment to addressing the most pressing issues facing member states and ensuring that their voices are heard on the international stage.
UNA-OIC Director-General Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbo Al-Yami also addressed the meeting, emphasizing the importance of meeting the diverse media aspirations of member states. He reiterated that the union’s ongoing work and initiatives aim to foster a more dynamic and interconnected media environment across the Islamic world, one that can effectively contribute to regional and global conversations.
As part of the proceedings, the Executive Council approved the final accounts and budget for 2025, ensuring the continuation of the union’s strategic programs and initiatives. The meeting also saw the approval of several draft resolutions, all aimed at bolstering collaboration among Islamic media agencies. These resolutions will be presented to the organization’s General Assembly for further discussion and approval, marking an important step toward strengthening the media network within the OIC.
In conclusion, the 26th meeting of the UNA-OIC Executive Council underscored the organization's ongoing efforts to modernize and elevate the media sector within member states. By embracing technological advancements and fostering collaborative initiatives, the union continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Islamic media, both regionally and globally.