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Entity Type: Domestic Party or Government Institution

Republic of Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 atolls southwest of Sri Lanka and India. As the world’s lowest-lying country with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives faces significant environmental challenges from rising sea levels. The nation operates as a presidential republic established in 1968, with an elected People’s Majlis serving as its legislative body. Malé serves as the capital and most populous city. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1965, the country has experienced periods of political instability alongside efforts at democratic reform. Under President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has strengthened ties with China through the Belt and Road Initiative, borrowing $1.4 billion and shifting away from its traditional partnership with India. The Maldives maintains membership in various international organizations including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, reflecting its active engagement in regional and global affairs despite being Asia’s smallest country by land area.

Kazakhstan President’s TV and Radio Complex

The Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan operates as a state-controlled media entity established in December 1996 to serve as the official “information resource” documenting presidential activities. The organization claims to produce “targeted video products” including thematic documentaries and presentation videos, while maintaining personal video, audio and film archives of the president. Kazakhstan’s media environment remains dominated by state-owned and pro-government outlets, with most major media controlled directly or indirectly by the government, while pro-opposition publications have been closed or forced into exile, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (哈萨克斯坦共和国政府) is the collegial executive body established in its current form on December 18, 1995, and headquartered in Astana at the House of Ministries. The government exercises executive power, develop socio-economic policy, manage state property, and oversee ministries and local executive bodies throughout Kazakhstan. According to constitutional law, the government is formed by the President and consists of the Prime Minister, deputy ministers, and other officials. The government positions itself as responsible to the President in all activities and maintains oversight of state media operations, including government-backed publications such as Kazakhstanskaya Pravda. The structure includes the National Security Committee, established June 13, 1992, and various ministries managing domestic and foreign policy implementation.

Brazilian Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation

Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação) is the federal cabinet agency responsible for coordinating the country’s science, technology and innovation policies since its establishment in March 1985. The ministry oversees multiple secretariats including digital transformation, technological development, and social development programs. Headquartered in Brasília’s government district, the MCTI serves as Brazil’s primary institutional partner for international technology cooperation agreements, including recent artificial intelligence partnerships with countries like China aimed at strengthening bilateral innovation frameworks.

Myanmar Ministry of Information

Myanmar’s Ministry of Information was established in 1947 to control state media and information dissemination. Headquartered in Nay Pyi Taw, the ministry oversees state media operations including Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV), the Information and Public Relations Department, and the Printing and Publishing Department. The organization controls television broadcasting, film production standards, and content censorship. Since the coup d’état in Myanmar in 2021, the ministry has played a clear role in pushing pro-state propaganda and restraining the activities of news media.

UAE Media Council

The UAE Media Council (UAEMC), established in February 2023 by federal decree under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, serves as the Emirates’ primary media regulatory authority. The entity apparently supersedes the previous National Media Council, which changed in 2021. Chaired by Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, who also heads the National Media Office, the council coordinates federal and local media efforts while proposing legislation to regulate and license all media outlets, including those in free zones. Though its language is highly professionalized, including a stated “mission” and “vision,” the council plays a crucial role in the control of media and content. According to its About Us page, the council’s mandate includes “reviewing and approving media content for all that is printed, published and broadcast within the UAE, including those operating in free zones” and “registering and accrediting media professionals and correspondents of foreign media in the country” — raising questions about the extent of its oversight powers.

Government of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, formed in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates, operates under an authoritarian federal monarchy with limited democratic elements. The UAE’s federal structure includes a Supreme Council comprising the hereditary rulers of each emirate, a Council of Ministers, and a Federal National Council. The President, currently Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also serves as ruler of Abu Dhabi, while Dubai’s ruler serves as Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Federal National Council has only an “advisory role” with half its 40 members elected and half appointed, including a mandated 50 percent female representation since 2023 elections. Despite official claims that “every citizen has the opportunity to express their opinion frankly,” power remains concentrated among the ruling families, with no political parties permitted and civil liberties significantly restricted. Media development and regulation activities are handled by the UAE Media Council, which reviews and approves all content published or broadcast within the UAE and has cooperated at the state level with the People’s Republic of China.

Nigerian Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is a government ministry in Nigeria responsible for managing the country’s public image, information dissemination, and cultural promotion. Established in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, dissolved on January 11, 2007, and re-established in 2015 under President Muhammadu Buhari, the ministry is currently headed by Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi, who assumed office in August 2023. The ministry claims its mandate is to establish “a dynamic public information system” that provides citizens and global communities with “credible and timely information.” Its stated functions include “strategic communication of government policies,” promoting “national consciousness,” regulating media, developing “cultural values and awareness,” and managing the National Archives.

Government of Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh operates as a unitary state with its central government headquartered in Dhaka. Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024, Dr. Muhammad Yunus serves as chief adviser of the interim government. The president functions as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while the prime minister typically holds executive authority. The country employs a unique power transfer system where civil society members oversee a three-month transition period and general elections, a practice first implemented in 1991 and constitutionally adopted in 1996. The unicameral legislature, Jatiya Sangsad, contains 350 seats, including 50 reserved for women. The most recent parliamentary election was held on January 7, 2024. Local governance is structured through divisions, districts, subdistricts (upazilas), unions, and villages, with elected officials at the union level and civil servants administering larger units.