Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – January 18, 2025 – The Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA-OIC) convened the third session of its Financial and Administrative Committee meeting virtually on January 17, 2025. The meeting, held in a digital format due to logistical considerations, was chaired by Majid bin Saad Al-Majid, Chairman of the Financial and Administrative Committee. At the outset, Al-Majid warmly welcomed the committee members and reiterated the critical importance of their responsibilities, emphasizing the union's collective commitment to upholding its organizational structure and ensuring the successful execution of its objectives.
One of the central topics of the meeting was a detailed review of the UNA’s accomplishments and the various programs and activities it has undertaken in recent months. The committee discussed the progress made by the union in promoting media cooperation and collaboration among news agencies from the OIC member states. The efforts to strengthen the exchange of news and information, foster capacity building, and enhance the role of media in supporting the union’s broader mission were highlighted as key achievements.
The financial discussions were equally significant, with the committee meticulously reviewing the UNA’s financial status, including the budget and final accounts for 2023 and 2024. These accounts provided an overview of the union's financial health and expenditures over the past two years, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of resources. After careful consideration, the committee approved the UNA's draft budget for 2025, which will now be forwarded to the upcoming session of the union's Executive Council and General Assembly for final approval.
The approval of the draft budget for 2025 marks a crucial step in the union’s continued efforts to achieve its strategic goals and sustain its initiatives. The proposed budget reflects a careful balance between sustaining ongoing programs and launching new initiatives aimed at strengthening the global reach of OIC member states' news agencies. The UNA’s financial framework for 2025 is designed to support its long-term growth and promote a more integrated and collaborative media environment within the Islamic world.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from the Financial and Administrative Committee to provide robust oversight and ensure the effective management of the UNA’s resources. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining financial discipline, operational transparency, and strategic planning as the UNA-OIC continues to expand its role in fostering communication, cooperation, and solidarity among news agencies in the OIC member states. Through this collaborative approach, the UNA seeks to enhance the capacity of its members to address global challenges, share knowledge, and promote the values of peace, development, and mutual understanding.
