Speaking Is Silver: Europe, the Media and Us

How do we respond to the Freedom of Expression development in countries like Poland, Turkey and Hungary?

The polarization between different values increases in Europe. Strong movements and even governments in many countries tend to look at freedom of expression as a threat and oversee its significance as a fundamental right in a democratic society. When freedom of expression is abolished, abuse and misuse can thrive.

How does this development affect the media, the politics and the discussion climate in Finland and Sweden? What actions can be taken to ensure that our freedom of expression will consist, and even be strengthened?

Programme

12.00 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 17.00
Sweden, Finland and Our International Obligations
Gunvor Kronman, CEO, Hanaholmen – the Finnish-Swedish Cultural Centre
Member, Finnish National Commission for UNESCO

Modern Threats Against Our Freedom of Expression
Stefan Eklund, Editor-In-Chief, Borås Tidning, Sweden
co-writer, “The Legacy Of Peter Forsskåhl – 250 Years of Freedom of Expression”

Keynote: Warszawa From A Berlin Perspective
Dr. Kai-Olaf Lang, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Berlin

What Is Going On In Turkey and Hungary?
Cita Högnabba-Lumikero, Director, FinnAgora Institute, Budapest
Tom Kankkonen, Journalist, Finland

Coffee Break

Panel: What Can We Achieve By International Media Cooperation
Reetta Kettunen, Secretary General, Committee for Public Information Member, Finnish National Commission for UNESCO
Stefan Eklund, Editor-In-Chief, Borås Tidning, Sweden
Tom Kankkonen, Journalist, Finland
Cita Högnabba-Lumikero, Director, FinnAgora Institute, Budapest

Organizer:
Hanaholmen – Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre in cooperation with
Finnish National Commission for UNESCO
German Embassy, Helsinki
Jonsered Manor, University of Gothenburg

Further information: Project Manager Henrik Huldén, +358 400 265656, henrik.hulden(at)hanaholmen.fi

Participation is free of charge, please register not later than October 20th.