Norway and Indonesia have co-organized the Global Intermedia dialogue (GIMD) since the cartoon crisis in 2006. GIMD has become a venue for journalists from all parts of the world to discuss freedom of expression. This year the event will take place in Bali 7-8 May.
The cartoon controversy evoked strong emotions and widespread debate. Indonesia and Norway decided to respond by joining forces to promote a Global Inter-Media Dialogue in 2006. Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim population, is a new democracy that has pluralism and freedom of expression enshrined in its constitution. Norway has a long tradition of working internationally to promote peace and human rights. Indonesia and Norway have the common goal of bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples.
The first dialogue, which took place in Bali from 1 to 2 September 2006, was an attempt to utilise the momentum created by the controversy to continue the debate that arose about journalism, freedom of expression and globalisation. Some 73 leading media representatives from almost 50 countries gathered to discuss freedom of expression in a multicultural world. The dialogue was a success, and the need for a forum of this kind was widely recognised. The same recipe was followed the following year, this time in Oslo.
The 3rd dialogue will be held in Bali, Indonesia. More than 130 journalists are expected to discuss various topics within this year’s theme, which is: Ethical Journalism in Extreme Conditions: The Challenge of Diversity. The key note address will be Dealing with Changing Media Landscape.
There will be panel discussions about Covering Conflict, Reporting Minorities and Challenges in Reporting Global Issues. The last question will be dealt with in parallell sessions about for example War on Terror and Inconvenient Truths: Climate Change, Natural Disasters and Poverty.
About 100 editors and journalists from all over the world will be invited to the third dialogue which takes place 7 – 8 May in Bali.
The invited journalists and editors are recognised figures, and represent major media outlets in their respective countries. The Indonesian and Norwegian Governments only act as facilitators during the dialogue – the discussions will be steered by the participants.
