We are seeking proposals exploring the role of a free media in advocating justice, truth and peace in conflict societies and presenting models for communications policy interventions that advance freedom of expression.

Regions:  Central and Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

We will be exploring international media and communications issues through three principal lenses:

1)      Role of Media in Human Rights and Democracy

2)      Intellectual Property/Access to Knowledge in a Globalized World

3)      Internet Governance 

We seek proposals examining e.g. the use of new media in political and media organizing, increasing access to information/knowledge, government and corporate surveillance/privacy, broadcast regulation, and Internet access. 

Please send presentation proposal abstracts of no more than 500 words to Joel Kelsey by March 15, 2008.

Travel funding may be available.

This pre-conference is being convened by Gene Kimmelman, VP of Domestic and International Policy at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.  The host committee includes:

Richard Lloyd, Director General, Consumers International

Andrew Puddephatt, Director, Global Partners and Associates

Becky Lentz, Ford Foundation Senior Fellow and Visiting Scholar at NYU

Hye Jung Park, Program Officer, Media Justice Fund