In today’s complex global landscape, small states often face the
challenge of navigating international norms while advancing
national interests. Azerbaijan presents a compelling example of
strategic diplomacy, balancing adherence to global standards with
the flexibility to set its own terms when necessary—a hallmark of
professional statecraft.
Azerbaijan’s nuanced diplomacy is reflected not only in its
bilateral relations but also in its active engagement with regional
and multilateral initiatives, such as the D-8 Economic Cooperation
Organisation. Currently, the D-8 Media Forum on “Promoting
Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Solidarity” is underway in
Baku, bringing together heads of media agencies, leading media
organisations from D-8 member states, high-ranking officials, and
renowned experts. The forum represents Azerbaijan’s proactive
approach to fostering collaboration in areas that extend beyond
traditional diplomacy, emphasising the strategic role of media in
shaping public opinion, building trust, and promoting regional
cohesion.
Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8
Economic Cooperation Organisation during the 11th D-8 Summit in
Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024. Subsequently, on March 19,
2025, the country officially submitted the ratification documents
of the D-8 Charter to the Secretariat in Istanbul, thereby
attaining full membership. This milestone reflects both the trust
of existing member states and Azerbaijan’s growing role in
multilateral economic cooperation.
President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted that the D-8, operating
for nearly three decades, is now expanding—a testament to
Azerbaijan’s strong diplomatic ties, credibility, and cooperative
engagement with all member states. By hosting the Media Forum,
Azerbaijan signals its commitment to strengthening dialogue and
developing a reliable information environment, which is essential
for fostering mutual understanding and regional solidarity.
It is also worth noting that last week, Azerbaijan was accepted
as a full member of the Central Asian “G6” format based on a
decision by the Heads of State of the region. This milestone
reflects Azerbaijan’s growing integration into regional
multilateral platforms.
Joining such organisations offers Azerbaijan strategic
advantages. Instead of acting alone, the country can amplify its
voice and influence by participating in collective frameworks.
Currently, Azerbaijan implements a balanced and exemplary foreign
policy, taking into account both geostrategic considerations and
broader international factors. This approach strengthens ties not
only with immediate neighbours but also with countries spanning
from East to West and North to South. Through these relationships,
Azerbaijan not only fosters its own development but also enhances
its regional power and global influence.
Multilateral engagement also contributes to regional
development. The D-8 countries, for example, with a combined
population of 1.2 billion and substantial economic potential, are
capable of supporting one another. At the same time, political
divergences among these nations can pose challenges to economic
integration. Yet, shared interests—such as common religion,
culture, and historical ties—can serve as powerful drivers of
cooperation and economic growth. In this sense, regional unity is
both a source and measure of regional power.
As President Ilham Aliyev emphasised, the D-8 platform, now
spanning three continents, offers significant opportunities to
promote development in critical areas, including sustainable
economic growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence,
global climate change mitigation, and energy security.
“Azerbaijan has transformed into an important actor of regional
and international cooperation by building multifaceted partnerships
with D-8 countries in energy, transportation and communication
spheres,” the President noted.
It is also important to recall Azerbaijan’s proactive role in
climate initiatives. During COP29 in Baku, the country stressed the
importance of accessible climate finance, particularly for small
island states facing critical environmental threats. This
commitment continues at COP30 in Brazil, building on the legacy of
Azerbaijan’s initiatives. Even prior to these events, during its
chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan provided
financial and humanitarian support to more than 80 countries,
including 20 small island nations. This approach underscores a
broader principle: developed countries, particularly those with a
colonial past, have a responsibility to provide financial and
technical assistance to nations most affected by climate change,
rather than allowing the costs of global development to fall
disproportionately on smaller states.
Beyond climate and economic development, Azerbaijan recognises
the strategic importance of media in shaping regional cooperation.
As President Aliyev stated, “The information cannot rest as a
mere news in the contemporary world as it plays an important role
in shaping confidence and understanding between peoples by turning
into a main driving force of international relations, public
opinion and economic development.”
Azerbaijan has consistently hosted prestigious international
media events, establishing itself as a hub for dialogue and
exchange. Since 2023, the Global Media Forum has been held annually
in Shusha, attracting representatives from over 50 countries.
Following this model, the D-8 Media Forum brings together public
and political figures, communication experts, and media
professionals from member states to address emerging challenges in
the global information space and advance shared objectives.
The forum aims to establish reliable collaboration among media
organisations to create an accurate, impartial, and responsible
information environment. In today’s world, information drives
international relations and economic development and plays a
central role in fostering mutual understanding among nations. For
the D-8 countries, this shared media cooperation can strengthen
regional cohesion and trust.
Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates the stakes involved: during
the 2020 Patriotic War, the country was targeted by disinformation
campaigns that distorted the facts. Nevertheless, the truth
prevailed, and the Azerbaijani Army achieved victory, liberating
occupied territories despite significant external pressures. This
experience highlights the necessity of cross-border media
collaboration to counter disinformation effectively.
To this end, the Centre for Media Excellence is being
established under the initiative and guidance of President Aliyev.
As Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development
Agency, explained, the centre will combat fake news, enhance media
professionalism, organise training programs, and implement
media-related projects across D-8 countries.
Azerbaijan’s engagement with the D-8 reflects a
multi-dimensional approach to foreign policy that uses multilateral
platforms to support regional development and advance cooperation
in areas such as energy, transport, climate action, and media
governance. Through initiatives like the D-8 Media Forum, which
aims to strengthen collaboration, enhance information security, and
promote professional media standards among member states,
Azerbaijan contributes to the creation of a more cohesive and
resilient D-8 community while supporting efforts to address
emerging challenges in the global information environment.