Vienna: Euro-Mediterranean Conference Discusses Media’s Influence on Intercultural Understanding (22-23 may 2006)
Racism, Xenophobia and the Media: Towards respect and understanding of all religions and cultures. Euro-Mediterranean Conference Discusses Media’s Influence On Intercultural Understanding
(EUMC Press release, 22 May 2006 – www.eumc.eu.int)
Austrian State Secretary Hans Winkler, European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and EUMC Director Beate Winkler open conference in Vienna.
The potential for the media to have an effect on mutual understanding and respect among diverse religions and cultures is the theme of the Euro-Mediterranean conference in Vienna. Over two days, media practitioners, civil society associations and intergovernmental bodies will discuss how the media exerts a strong influence on intercultural dialogue and the fight against racism.
“Freedom of expression and the freedom of the press are the hard-won fruits of years of struggle in Europe. They are fundamental rights of a functioning democracy. They must under no circumstances be put at risk. Those freedoms allow controversial ideas and discussions. The right to freedom of expression must however be exercised with responsibility especially when protection of the rights and feelings of others are involved”, said Austrian State Secretary Hans Winkler in opening the Conference which brings together around 100 media and NGO participants from the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (*). “Freedom of expression and the mutual understanding and respect for the cultures and religions of others are not incompatible but complementary. Our main goal has to be a credible commitment of a democratic and pluralist Europe to the dialogue of cultures and civilizations”.
The call for intercultural and inter-religious dialogue was echoed by European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. “We seek to involve all levels of society – public institutions, religious and cultural leaders, civil society and the media – in increasing cultural exchanges, improving understanding, promoting tolerance and deepening respect. It is vitally important that we reach beyond the elites to the man and woman on the street”, said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. She stressed the important role of the media in the joint efforts for mutual respect and understanding. She went on to say, “At a time when the EU is profoundly aware of its obligation to respond to public concerns, migration is high on our agenda. Later this week the European Commission will be discussing what we can do to address Europeans’ concerns about illegal migration and trafficking. We also place a high priority on integrating minorities into Europe’s mainstream and on preserving essential European values like tolerance, diversity and peaceful dialogue.”
“Dialogue between media, civil society, faith groups and policy-makers, is the way forward to eradicate racism”, said Beate Winkler, Director of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC). She continued: “Media can fuel racism and this must be addressed. Yet, the media is also our major ally in reflecting the diversity that can be such a positive feature of our societies. Showing cultural diversity in mainstream programmes, employing minority journalists, and training of journalists, can reinforce this positive role that the media can play”.
The Conference, taking place on 22-23 May at the Albertina (Vienna), is held in the framework of the Austrian Presidency of the EU. The Conference theme is “Racism, Xenophobia and the Media: Towards respect and understanding of all religions and cultures”. The event has been co-organised with the European Commission and the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia in consultation with the EU’s Mediterranean Partners. Topics under discussion include questions of freedom of speech, the role of journalists and media owners in setting agendas, and efforts to promote intercultural respect and understanding through the media.
(*) The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership comprises 35 members: 25 EU Member States and 10 Mediterranean Partners (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey). Libya has observer status since 1999.
For further information please contact:
At the EU Commission:
Anne Marie Huber (Vienna) on +43(1) 51618-329, annemarie.huber@ec.europa.eu
Tom McGrath (Brussels) on +32 494 64 19 71 (mobile), thomas.mcgrath@ec.europa.eu
At the EUMC:
Andreas Accardo on +43 (1) 58030-33
Waltraud Etz on +43 (1) 58030-42, media@eumc.europa.eu
At the Austrian Ministry for Foreign Affairs:
Katharina Swoboda on +43 (0) 50 1150 3469, katharina.swoboda@bmaa.gv.at
Speech by Beate Winkler, Director of the EUMC: “Racism, Xenophobia and the Media: Towards respect and understanding of all religions and cultures” (22 maggio 2006)
Argomenti: Unione Europea