"WSF Nairobi, 2007 activities"

From KLAMediaWiki

WSF Nairobi, 2007 activities

With over 100,000 people in attendance from all over the world, the World Social Forum (WSF) Nairobi, 2007 kicks off with the opening ceremony on Saturday, January 20, 2007. Some of the shots from the opening ceremoney include the following:

The World Social Forum in Nairobi was yesterday officially opened by H.E former president of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda. In his opening speech he said that from experience,challenges in 2007 can be overcomed and a better world is very possibble. He said that injustice cannot be overcomed by force of love , harmony and fair play.Rights and diginity of all people must be respected and that we must continue action for the common good. He also highlighted various problems that are facing the world today and these include Poverty Division-north and south divide Hiv/Aids Environmental issues -Dessertification Ccrimes -Gender equality and women,s rights.

Information:common good for humanity or a merchandise African media facing media concentration and the convergence of technologies. Organizers: Institute Panos Afrique de I'ouest Participants:Over 50 Key speakers:Jason & Chris Kagwata

Issues covered 1. Policy Our governments are very ambivalent in the ownership of media. Its an extension of the ruling party. Some policies are against co-ownership of media. Governments should set up partnerships on how much locals can own media. Policies are good on paper.

2. Technologies Poor ICT infrastructure. People are still green in the ICT sector

3. Audiences We don't have access to a wide range .our audience is primarily radio, TV and newspapers. access to the Internet is not common so governments are reluctant to invest a lot in the Internet due to lack of an audience.

Issues to address for African Media 1. Access Availability and cost of that which is available e.g. radio TV, Internet and Newspapers.

2. Citizenship vs Consumerism Governments should come up with policies to ensure that the public interests are put into consideration. Ensure that newspapers and advertisements, educative programs, are put into consideration for public interest to reduce on music and pornography alone.

3. North South Co-operation. Should be interrogated because of the issue of globalisation. There is also need for solidarity.

4. Hegemonies Ethnic identity gives to national ownership.

5. Diversity and pluralism. Having a range of voices e.g. gender, the youth. Pluralism is diverse ownership of the media i.e. community /public media that is truly public.

6. Need to help our governments in coming up with necessary regulations around media.

Time: 11.30 – 2.00pm Report by: Bukirwa Annette