In the framework of the Brussels V Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” on 29-30 March 2021, organised by the European Union, the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is co-organising an online event together with Free Press Unlimited and International Media Support (IMS) focused on independent media.

 Almost ten years of conflict have left Syrians worn out, divided, censored and scattered inside and outside the country. In the midst of the conflict, Syrian independent media has remained a significant driver of change bringing reliable information, free expression and accountability to Syria. The European Endowment for Democracy (EED), the International Media Support (IMS) and Free Press Unlimited have all mobilised support to help ensure that independent and/or public service-oriented media become professional and resilient.

During this session, key actors from Syrian independent media will discuss their past experiences and challenges, their role and impact, and they will relate their perspectives on the future. In this online discussion, the speakers will focus on the potential for independent media to shape the future of Syrian society by providing access to credible information, enabling public debate and combating hate speech, fake news, and polarisation.

The event will be hosted on Zoom.

The event will be held in English and Arabic. Interpretation in both languages will be provided. 

REGISTER HERE

To note, questions to the speakers and the moderator can be sent ahead the event at events@democracyendowment.eu

 
About the organisers:

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is an independent, grant-making organisation, established in 2013 by the European Union (EU) and EU member states as an autonomous International Trust Fund to foster democracy in the European Neighbourhood (Eastern Partnership – EaP – and Middle East and North Africa – MENA), the Western Balkans, Turkey and beyond.

Free Press Unlimited (FPU) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Because people, all over the world, deserve to know they need access to independent, reliable and timely information. That's why Free Press Unlimited supports media and journalists worldwide.

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to strengthen the capacity of media to reduce conflict, strengthen democracy and facilitate dialogue.