Organized by the Ministry of Information and UNESCO together with International Media Support (IMS) and Canal France International, the conference will work to establish a way forward in the development of media in Burma. 

Burma’s domestic media are central to upholding and supporting new democratic reforms. Since April 2011, Burma has carried out a number of social, economic and political reforms which have kick-started a democratic process in the country.

Conference speakers and experts will share international best practices in media development with local media workers, policy makers and civil society, looking at alternatives and options for future media development in the country.

Issues to be addressed include laws and ethics of media practices, media empowering communities, the role of media in peace building and national reconciliation, sustainable business models for media and journalists’ professionalization.

High ministry officials will also address the conference and serve on various panels as moderators.

Soe Myint, the founder and managing director of Mizzima Media, will speak on “Collective Responsibilities of different media stakeholders in strengthening democratic transition” on Tuesday.

A sampling of other speakers include Kavi Chongkittavorn, chairman, Southeast Asian Press Alliance, on “The role of the media for democratization in the Asean region and in Myanmar”; Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of The Voice Weekly journal and Living Color magazine on “The needs and challenges of the media in Myanmar’s democratic transition”; and Steve Buckley, former president, World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters on “The role of media in empowering communities.”