Several hundred journalists from Asia, the Pacific and the United States are expected to gather in New Delhi in September this year to discuss issues related to a theme “South Asia Looking East.”
Distinguished keynote speakers and panels of working journalists will discuss the increasing links between South and East Asia, the future of the U.S. rebalance to Asia and the Pacific, and the latest information on the global news industry, said a press release available here yesterday. Hosted by the US-based East-West Center, the 2016 International Media Conference is scheduled for September 8-11 at the India Habitat Centre.
It will also touch upon on-the-ground updates on news and media issues in the region, provide opportunities to learn about the complexity and diversity of India, offer practical skill-building workshops and a platform to build professional network. “The global influence of India and its South Asian neighbors has been rising significantly in recent years,” said conference director Susan Kreifels, EWC Media Programs Manager, about the gathering’s theme.
“India’s Act East policy has accelerated under Prime Minister Modi’s administration, promoting new connections and areas of cooperation among East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. These new dynamics and relationships in return have also created new challenges, making New Delhi an ideal location for this year’s media conference.”
According to the press release, confirmed speakers so far include: Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, President and CEO of the Newseum, Washington, DC, Ms. Anja Manuel, American author of ‘This Brave New World: India, China, and the United States’, C. Raja Mohan, Director of Carnegie India, on political-security links across Asia, Ms. Karuna Nundy, Supreme Court Advocate, New Delhi, Nikhil Pahwa, Founder of MediaNama, and Ms. Ritu Sarin, Executive Editor, The Indian Express.
A senior U.S. State Department official will discuss updates on the U.S. rebalance to the region and a keynote panel will feature journalists who have displayed extraordinary courage in their work. Online registration is now open for the International Media Conference.
