‘Difference Day’

PROGRAMME

13.30
Welcome and introduction by Ike Picone 

13.45-14.30 
Act 1: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS DRIVER FOR OTHER RIGHT 

This year, World Press Freedom Day celebrates its 30 anniversary. In Europe, the preparation of the European Media Freedom Act shows that policies on how to protect and regulate media freedom are as important as ever.

In this session, we take a look at how such initiatives as the EMFA are not only important for the media but help shape a future of rights for individuals and organisations worldwide.

Panel

• Wouter Ghekiere, Head of EBU Brussels Office. 
• Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels.
• Renate Schroeder, Director of European Federation of Journalists (moderating panellist)(tbc).

14.45-15.30 

Act 2: PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Increasingly, journalists are subject to threats and harassment when performing their job, also in established democracies. Organisations are stepping up to help journalists in peril, provide them a wide range of resources and support, and calling out governments to take these threats seriously. 

In this session, we give the floor to journalists who, in exile or not, are confronted with increasing pressures in their daily work.

Panel

• Arzu Geybullayeva, journalist working in Azerbedjan.
• Omayma Masoud, journalist in exile, EnGaje.
• Rob Hartgers, journalist helping journalists, RFG Magazine (De Cooperatie).

16.00-16.45 
Act 3: VIEWS FROM ALONG THE BORDER​​​​​​​

The crisis the world is currently confronted with forces people to leave their homes in search of a safer heaven. Their voices are seldom heard in discussions about their collective future. Both journalists and academics can play a role in amplifying these voices.

In this session, we give the floor to both citizens living along borders and journalists who go at lengths to bring these stories in the media.

Panel

• The ABC of the border – Short documentaries curated by Kevin Smets (participating moderator) & Irene Gutiérrez.
• Sara Creta discusses how to give a voice to citizens when covering migration.

17.00-18.00 
Act 4: AN INSIDE VIEW

Alicja Gecinska (PACT, PEN Vlaanderen) invites Difference Day Honorary Title 23 laureates Jennifer Clement and Ravish Kumar to a fireside chat. 

18.00-19.00
Reception