RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE 31 JANUARY 2009
Please follow this link to register for the IPI World Congress: 
http://www.ipihelsinki.fi/registration.html

"Nordic Democracy - A Lesson for the World?" (Sunday, 7 June, 1:30 pm)

The so-called Nordic Model, with its emphasis on consensual political institutions, social welfare, and the universal provision of basic human rights, has long been admired by other countries. But critics point at the increased state interference in all areas of public life. Has the right balance been achieved? Is the Nordic model of democracy exportable? What challenges does globalisation present to the model?

Among the confirmed panelists: Pär Nuder, Member of Parliament, Swedish Social Democratic Party; former Minister of Finance, Stockholm

The five-day war between Russia and Georgia in August 2008 raised concerns about a resurgent Russia in the West, but also in Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic countries and elsewhere. Was the war part of Russia’s broader objective of rolling back Western influence and restoring its clout both at home and abroad? Can Russia’s aggressive behaviour be viewed as a sign of a possible new Cold War?

Among the confirmed panelists: Edward Lucas, Deputy Editor, International Section; Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent, The Economist, London

What are the predicted consequences of the current financial crisis? How will the crisis affect media outlets, already suffering from a decline in readers/viewers and advertising revenue? How has the media reported on the crisis? Has it been getting the story right? Does the media exacerbate financial crises?

Critics of the “Asian Values” propounded in the 1990s argued that they were a mere justification by authoritarian regimes to suppress universal human rights. Yet the economies of such countries as Singapore and, in particular, China have continued to thrive without democratic reform. Will they now need a free media to help overcome the drag of the global financial crisis, corruption, and such problems as China’s unsafe products?

Among the confirmed panelists: Xiao Qiang, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, China Digital Times; Director, China Internet Project, Graduate School of Journalism, University of California at Berkeley, CA

The continued growth of the Internet and wireless communications is rapidly changing the news media industry. Blogs, citizen journalism, content aggregation, interactivity and other new forms of distributing information provide viewers and listeners with an almost unlimited choice of alternatives to traditional broadcast news. How are broadcasters adjusting? Is there a future for broadcast news?

Among the confirmed panelists: Barkha Dutt, Editor and Host, NDTV, New Delhi

Introduction of the Australian feature film “Balibo”, scheduled for release in July 2009.

Journalists play a crucial role in providing the information that policymakers and the public need to understand the urgency of global warming and climate change-related issues. Is the media doing enough to raise awareness? How can it improve its coverage – in terms of both quantity and quality – of this most global of issues?

Among the confirmed panelists: Jorma Ollila, Non-Executive Chairman of Shell; Non-Executive Chairman of Nokia

Should journalists, who provide the public with the information they need to understand the complexities of the struggle against terrorism, talk with terrorists? Do they do so at the risk of becoming pawns in the terrorists’ public relations campaigns? Where should journalists draw the line?

Among the confirmed panelists: Peter Bergen, Print and TV Journalist; Author; Terrorism Analyst for CNN

Presentation of the 2010 IPI World Congress

Keynote speaker: Joschka Fischer, former German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor

Crowne Plaza Helsinki
Crowne Plaza Helsinki, the official congress hotel, offers first-class facilities and personalised service to the discerning business and leisure traveller. Its 349 state-of-the-art guest rooms are equipped with all the amenities expected in an upscale establishment. The hotel is 0.4 km from the conference venue and a few minutes walk from the city centre. 


Scandic Continental
Scandic Continental is located beside a beautiful park with an inlet from the sea. It is 0.4 km from the conference venue and a few minutes away from the city’s top entertainment and shopping areas.

Hotel Kämp
Hotel Kämp is a luxury hotel located opposite Esplanade Park in Helsinki’s finest shopping area and pedestrian zone. The hotel is close to the South Harbour and all major cultural sights and just 1.5 km from the conference venue.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONS' TOURS

Saturday, 6 June 2009  – Helsinki City Tour and Suomenlinna Fortress

Sunday, 7 June 2009 – Visit to Marimekko

Monday, 8 June 2009 – Old Wooden Town of Porvoo

Tuesday, 9 June 2009 – Tuusula Lake Road 



POST CONGRESS TOURS

Lapland Adventure (Tour A)

St. Petersburg Tour by train (Tour B)