Regime-led Myanmar media development group In momentally building up the counter-media landscape, the regime established Myanmar media development group (MMDG) in 2023 stating that they aim to develop private media sectors which align media ethics and work on social responsibility. On 22 April 2026, new statement was released to reconstitute MMDG and promote cooperation with domestic and international organisations. According to its composition, it is still a state-led (regime-led) body rather than an independent multi-stakeholder mechanism. It is chaired by the Deputy Minis-ter of Information and administeredby senior officials from the Ministry of Information’s media development department. Although the group includes some other representatives from associations such as the Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Broadcasters Association and Foreign Correspondents Club, many of these groups have been criticised for accommodating military authorities rather than representing independent journalism. The most significant aspect of the statement is Clause 2(b) which identifies occasionally organising training programs, lectures, workshops, and seminars in collaboration with media development organisations, including UNESCO’ that clearly reveals an intention to project an illusion of cooperation with UN agencies like UNESCO and other international development organizations. In reality, however, partnerships exist almost exclusively with entities from countries such as China and the Russian Federation. The repeated references to cooperation with international media development organisations tells that the regime is actively seeking international engagement to boost the credibility of the MMDG. (See appendix for the statement). Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar 11