India elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board 2025 at the 23rd General Conference in Thailand, securing highest votes. Prasar Bharati to lead Asia-Pacific broadcasting initiatives.
India Elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board
India Reclaims Leadership at AIBD: A Resounding Return
India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) at the 23rd General Conference held from 19th to 21st August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand. This marks a significant milestone, as India last held the chairmanship in 2016.
Overwhelming Mandate: Highest Vote Secured
India secured the highest number of votes among member nations, underscoring strong international confidence in its leadership.
Continuity of Influence: Presidency and Chairmanship Together
India’s new role complements its ongoing tenure as President of the AIBD General Conference, which continues until August 2025. This dual leadership strengthens India’s strategic influence in the Asia-Pacific broadcasting sphere.
Words from the Forefront: Gaurav Dwivedi Speaks
Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati and President of the AIBD General Conference, expressed heartfelt appreciation to member countries and organizations for their trust. He highlighted India’s five-decade-long engagement with AIBD and emphasized forward-looking collaboration in future programmes.
AIBD at a Glance: Structure and Significance
AIBD, established in 1977 under UNESCO, is a unique regional intergovernmental organization with 92 member organizations from 45 countries, including 26 government members and 44 affiliates across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Arab States, and North America. India is a founding member, represented by Prasar Bharati—India’s public service broadcaster—in the organization.
Path Ahead: Empowering Future Broadcasting Initiatives
India’s dual leadership role—Chair of the Executive Board and President of the General Conference—positions it to spearhead policy exchanges, capacity-building programmes, and collaborative broadcasting initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. India aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking media environment.
B) Why This News Is Important
Heading: Significance of India’s Election to AIBD Chairmanship
India’s election as Chairman of the AIBD Executive Board is a proud moment in its media diplomacy. For students preparing for government exams—especially in civil services, defense, railways, banking, policing, and teaching—it underscores India’s growing soft-power and leadership within international cooperative platforms.
Heading: Strategic International Influence
In the globalized era, leadership in multilateral institutions such as AIBD demonstrates India’s diplomatic clout and credibility. This development illustrates how India is shaping regional media policies, fostering international cooperation, and architecting modern broadcasting frameworks.
Heading: Relevance to Exam Aspirants’ General Studies
Such current affairs are vital for general awareness sections in competitive exams. It provides context to India’s media governance, international roles, and aligns with topics like bilateral/multilateral relations, international institutions, and soft-power diplomacy.
Heading: Long-Term Implications
This development not only reflects India’s re-engagement with AIBD but also paves the way for India to influence future broadcasting agendas, media policy harmonization, and technological collaborations across Asia-Pacific. Aspiring candidates can cite this as an example of India’s growing global magnitude in media leadership.
C) Historical Context
Heading: AIBD’s Evolution and India’s Role
The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was established in 1977 under UNESCO’s auspices to promote cooperation in electronic media development across the region.
Heading: India as a Founding Member
India has been an active and founding member from AIBD’s inception, regularly participating through Prasar Bharati, its public broadcaster which represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Heading: India’s Previous Leadership Roles
India previously chaired the AIBD Executive Board in 2016, and more recently, it held the presidency of the AIBD General Conference from 2018 through 2023, including a third consecutive term—reflecting sustained confidence in India’s stewardship.
Heading: Renewed Leadership After Nine Years
After almost a decade since 2016, India’s return to the chairmanship signals a renewed commitment to regional broadcasting collaboration and international media leadership.
D) Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India elected as Chair of AIBD Executive Board at 23rd General Conference in August 2025. |
| 2. | India secured the highest number of votes, reflecting broad international support. |
| 3. | India currently holds dual leadership roles: Chair of Executive Board and President of AIBD General Conference (till August 2025). |
| 4. | AIBD was established in 1977 under UNESCO; it has 92 member organizations from 45 countries across multiple regions. |
| 5. | India is a founding member of AIBD, with Prasar Bharati representing the nation in the institute. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is AIBD and why is it important?
AIBD (Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development) is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1977 under UNESCO. It promotes cooperation in electronic media, broadcasting policies, and training across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Q2. When was India last elected as Chairman of AIBD Executive Board?
India last chaired the Executive Board in 2016 before regaining the position in August 2025.
Q3. Who represents India in AIBD?
India is represented by Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcaster.
Q4. Who currently holds the post of President of AIBD General Conference?
Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, serves as the President of the AIBD General Conference.
Q5. How many countries are members of AIBD?
AIBD has 92 member organizations from 45 countries, including government members and affiliate organizations.
Q6. What does India’s dual role in AIBD signify?
India’s dual leadership—as Chair of the Executive Board and President of the General Conference—shows international trust and allows India to shape regional media cooperation.
Q7. Why is this news relevant for government exam aspirants?
It highlights India’s global soft power, leadership in international institutions, and role in media diplomacy—important themes in General Studies and current affairs.
Q8. Under whose aegis was AIBD established?
AIBD was set up under the auspices of UNESCO in 1977.
Q9. What kind of organization is AIBD?
AIBD is an intergovernmental organization with both government and affiliate members from across the globe.
Q10. Where was the 23rd AIBD General Conference held?
The 23rd General Conference was held in Phuket, Thailand, from 19th to 21st August 2025.
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