“UNA” and the Islamic Solidarity Fund Sign Agreement to Establish News Agency Websites in Least Developed Countries

The Union of News Agencies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (UNA) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund on Monday signed a grant agreement at the Fund’s headquarters in Jeddah to establish websites for national news agencies in a number of least developed member states.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Union by Director-General Mohammed bin Abdrabuh Al-Yami, while it was signed on behalf of the Fund by Executive Director Mohammed bin Suleiman Aba Al-Khail.

The agreement reflects the joint commitment of both parties to establish digital platforms for news agencies in 10 of the least developed OIC member states, in accordance with the latest technological standards. This will enhance digital access to these agencies’ media content, increase their readership and reach, and strengthen news exchange among member states.

Director-General of UNA, Mohammed bin Abdrabuh Al-Yami, praised the Fund’s important role in financing and supporting the project, affirming that the Union places great importance on advancing digital transformation in member news agencies and enabling them to keep pace with the rapid developments in the media production industry, particularly in the digital sphere.

For his part, Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund, Mohammed bin Suleiman Aba Al-Khail, stated that the agreement represents a culmination of fruitful and effective cooperation between the Fund and the Union within the framework of their shared objectives. He noted that the Fund gives considerable attention in its projects and assistance to the media sector, given its pivotal role in promoting communication and understanding among Islamic peoples, and in supporting the developmental and civilizational programs of member states.

This agreement comes within the framework of implementing relevant resolutions. The Union’s General Assembly, during its sixth session held virtually on 27 January 2025, called on the Union to coordinate with member states to present a comprehensive study on the status of digital platforms of member news agencies, to work on updating the websites of agencies facing technical challenges—particularly in least developed member states—and to mobilize the necessary technical and financial support to achieve this.

The Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, at its 51st session held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 21–22 June 2025, also called on the Union to contribute to the development of news agency websites in least developed member states.