The Danish foreign affairs department is joining WAN-Ifra to stage a global Media Freedom Conference in Copenhagen.
International and local media professionals are expected for the April 29-30 conference to examine the global environment for media freedom and the importance of a free press in the development of society.
Organisers say the jointly-hosted event 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," WAN-Ifra secretary general Larry Kilman says.
Danish trade and development minister Mogens Jensen says a free and critical press contributes "not only to maintaining a public debate in society - it is a prerequisite for that debate. The media's critical eyes on those in power are important for change and development in any society."
He intends that the conference will point out new ways of defending and protecting working conditions of journalists and media by giving editors and journalists a global forum for sharing their experiences. The event will focus on the critical perspective of media in the development of democratic societies, its role in promoting accountable governance, and its capacity to foster political cohesion.
Kilman says participants and 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: "We hope this gathering will provide them with inspiration, and will enhance their ability to promote these values when they return home."
Keynote speakers include Eric Chinje, chief executive of the African Media Initiative, and Shirazuddin Siddiqi, BBC Media Action country director for Afghanistan. The programme begins on the evening of April 29 with a full day of discussions on Thursday April 30. Confirmed speakers include Jodie Ginsberg (UK), chief executive of freedom of expression campaign organisation Index On Censorship, journalist and safety expert Javier Garza (Mexico), film-maker Safa Al Ahmad (Saudi Arabia), Soe Myint (Myanmar/Burma), founder and editor-in-chief of Mizzima Media, Gordana Igric (Serbia), founder and regional network director of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, and Sulemana Braimah (Ghana), director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, among others.
Full programme information for the conference (participation by invitation only), can be found at www.mediafreedom2015.dk