Asia-Pacific news agencies urged to innovate: UNESCO official

Jakarta-based UNESCO official Linda Santiago Posadas noted in an address to the meeting that technology had given journalists powerful tools, new media and wider platforms to deliver information.

"I call upon you to seize the opportunities that these developments offer to bring about a spirit of innovation among your ranks that will see media professionals reach more people," Posadas said.

Developments could also help the media produce information "in new and interesting ways ... as well as demonstrate the practice of universal values like tolerance, fairness and mutual understanding," she added.

OANA members include agencies from a broad range of countries, such as Australia, Cyprus, Japan, North Korea and Thailand.

Iran and Turkey proposed hosting the next assembly, which is held every three years, with delegates voting in favour of Turkey, an AFP correspondent said.