KUCHING: Newsmen from the world over will gather in Copenhagen on April 29 to 30 for a conference to examine the global environment for media freedom.
More than 100 international and Danish media professionals will participate in the Global Media Freedom Conference 2015 hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in partnership with the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).
The conference will welcome two days of discussion and debate, and will ask pertinent questions as to what can be done to better protect independent journalism and the individuals most at risk.
It will examine ways of securing a future for news in the face of technological, commercial and security challenges and, in the global age, how media professionals can continue to inspire citizens through media that is both engaging and relevant to their lives.
“A free and critical press contributes not only to maintaining a public debate in society – it is a prerequisite for that debate,” said Danish Minister of Trade and Development Mogens Jensen.
According to him, the media’s critical eyes on those in power are important for change and development in any society and in many developing countries and fragile states, large parts of the population are excluded from the public debate.
“It is our duty to help strengthen voices that have a crucial role in shaping the future.
“It is my hope that this conference will point out new ways of defending and protecting the working conditions of journalists and media by giving editors and journalists a global forum for sharing their experiences,” he added.
“The participants and the presenters have been invited because of their dedication to, and their often courageous defence of the values of a free press to society, and its contribution to economic, political and social development,” said Wan-Ifra secretary general Larry Kilman.
“We hope this gathering will provide them with inspiration, and will enhance their ability to promote these values when they return home. We are delighted that the ministry recognises the importance of this mission, and is working together with the global newspaper and news media community to organize this event,” he added.
The Global Media Freedom Conference 2015 will provide an opportunity to highlight pressing advocacy concerns for media worldwide, with panel guests and invited participants providing insight into some of the most challenging beats for today’s journalism.
Keynote speakers include African Media Initiative chief executive officer Eric Chinje and BBC Media Action Country director for Afghanistan Shirazuddin Siddiqi.
Confirmed speakers include Jodie Ginsberg (UK), Javier Garza (Mexico), film-maker Safa Al Ahmad (Saudi Arabia), Soe Myint (Myanmar/Burma), Gordana Igric (Serbia) and Sulemana Braimah (Ghana).
Programme information for the conference (participation by invitation only) can be found at www.mediafreedom2015.dk.
For more information on Wan-Ifra’s press freedom work, visit www.wan-ifra.org/pressfreedom.