The Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) and ICD through THIQAH (IsDB Group Business Forum) sign MoC to enhance cooperation in media field

The agreement aims to lay the foundations for cooperation between the two parties in the field of media and news coverage of the activities and initiatives of the IsDB Group Private Sector entities, as well as coordinating with national news agencies in the OIC countries to publish news and assure media coverage in the three official languages (Arabic, English and French).

It is also meant for exchanging information and consultations in the areas of joint action, coordinating related activities and events, and cooperating in organizing workshops, training sessions and specialized media forums.

The MoC further provides for transfer of knowledge and information and exchange of experiences between the two parties, where THIQAH (a function managed by ICD, as delegated by the IsDB Group) shall provide the Union with various reports and studies prepared by the IsDB Group Private Sector entities on their activities. In turn, the Union shall prepare media reports and news stories based on the contents and materials provided by THIQAH.

Mr. Sejiny welcomed the establishment of this strategic partnership with the Union and strengthening cooperation in the field of media and news coverage, which will contribute to publicizing the activities and services of the IsDB Group and promote trade, investment and insurance in the member countries.

For his part, Mr. Al-Qarni highlighted that the MoC contributes to laying the ground for cooperation between the two parties in the areas of media, improving the developmental and economic skills of media professionals, news coverage of the activities and initiatives of the IsDB Group Private Sector entities. He added that the agreement also contributes to forging cooperation in producing reports and media content that shed light on the development activities in the OIC countries.

The two institutions also agreed to assess progress made in achieving the overall objective of the MoC and to consider ways to effectively and efficiently implement its provisions, to harness the capabilities of both parties in serving the private sector in the member states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH): The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) ( www.IDBGBF.org ) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group's financial products and services. ( www.IDBGBF.org ).

About the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA): The Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) ( http://www.UNA-OIC.org ) is a specialized body affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which works as a media arm for the OIC. The Union serves as an umbrella for national news agencies in the member states, a house of expertise and a training center, which invokes the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter. The Union has a legal personality (an international specialized body), based in Jeddah, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UNA (formerly the International Islamic News Agency "IINA") was established under the resolution issued by the 3rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Jeddah in February/March 1972, in implementation of the resolution of the 2nd CFM held in Karachi, Pakistan. In its 5th Session held in Jeddah on 15 October 2017, the IINA General Assembly approved the transformation of the Agency into UNA, referred to herein as the "Union", and represented in this agreement by Acting Director-General Mr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Qarni. ( http://www.UNA-OIC.org ).

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