Populism, extremism and polarisation are on the rise internationally, with major implications for societies already facing division and conflict. What role does the media play and what responsibility if any should it have in creating more peaceful and stable communities?

Journalists from South Africa, Colombia, Myanmar, Rwanda, Turkey, the Middle East, the Balkans, Kashmir, Somalia, Syria, Nepal and Northern Ireland will gather in Belfast to consider the key issues at this important two-day event.

Speakers include Mohamed Nanabhay from the international Media Development Investment Fund who held leading editorial posts in Al Jazeera, Adam Smyth Head of News BBC Northern Ireland, Nic Dawes deputy executive director at Human Rights Watch and former editor of The Mail & Guardian newspaper in South Africa, award winning Kurdish journalist Nurcan Baysal from Turkey, Pulitzer Prize winning international photojournalist Cathal McNaughton, Pawan Bali former bureau chief for CNN IBN, and many more.

The event is organised by the Social Change Initiative in partnership with Conciliation Resources and the University of Edinburgh’s Political Settlements Research programme.

Read our programme below and book your place to join us:

DAY ONE - FRIDAY NOV 8

900-930 REGISTRATION AT CONFERENCE VENUE

Isdell Courtyard, Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Rd, Belfast, BT9 5EE. Telephone: 028 9097 5664

930-1015 ‘THE STATE WE ARE IN’: THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN A TROUBLED WORLD.

Populism, extremism and polarisation are on the rise, with major implications for societies already challenged by deep divisions. What role does the media play?

Mohamed Nanabhay of the international Media Development Investment Fund who held leading editorial posts in Al Jazeera in conversation with renowned Irish broadcaster Charlie Bird.

1015-1115 ANALYSING PEACE AGREEMENTS: WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT THE ROLE OF MEDIA?

The Political Settlements Research Programme of the University of Edinburgh presents new research on the role of the media in international peace accords.

University of Edinburgh’s Professor Christine Bell in conversation with Tim Epple of the Political Settlements Research Programme and journalists including Editor in Chief of the Kathmandu Post Anup Kaphle.

1115-1130 COFFEE BREAK

1130-1230 WHAT ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES DO THE MEDIA HAVE IN DEEPLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES?

Does the media have a role in promoting peace and stability? We hear from a panel of experienced media figures.

Jonathan Cohen Executive Director of international peacebuilding organisation Conciliation Resources leads a discussion with Vikki Cook Director Content Media Policy at UK broadcast regulator Ofcom, Noel Doran Editor of The Irish News & one of the longest serving daily newspaper editors in Ireland or Britain, and Milica Pesic Executive Director of the Media Diversity Institute.

1230-115 LUNCH 115-215 WHAT ROLE IS THE MEDIA PLAYING IN DEEPLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES AROUND THE GLOBE?

Journalists from around the world who are working in deeply divided societies discuss the challenges they face and the responsibilities they carry.

US activist Nadine Hack leads a discussion with Pawan Bali former bureau chief for CNN IBN in Kashmir now based in Washington DC, Rwandan journalist Fred Muvunyi of German news service Deutsche Welle and Nurcan Baysal a Kurdish journalist in Turkey.

215-315 WHAT ROLE IS THE MEDIA PLAYING IN NORTHERN IRELAND? A COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE.

We hear from representatives of communities in Northern Ireland on their experience of the media in a deeply divided society emerging from conflict.

Human rights practitioner Maggie Beirne leads a discussion with Alan McBride of the Wave Trauma Centre, Denis Bradley columnist and former vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Ivy Goddard of the Inter Ethnic Forum and Dessie Donnelly Director at Participation & the Practice of Rights (PPR).

315-330 COFFEE BREAK

330-430 WHAT ROLE IS THE MEDIA PLAYING IN NORTHERN IRELAND? A MEDIA PERSPECTIVE.

We hear from journalists in Northern Ireland on the changing media landscape here and the role of the media in this divided society at an uncertain time in the peace process after the collapse of the government and the challenge of Brexit.

Journalist and author Susan McKay leads a discussion with Adam Smyth BBC Northern Ireland Head of News, Trevor Birney Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Stephen Grimason former BBC NI Political Editor & former Director of Communications for the Northern Ireland government, plus prominent Northern Ireland journalist Amanda Ferguson.

430 END OF DAY ONE OF THE CONFERENCE

DAY TWO - SATURDAY NOV 9

930-1030 WHAT ROLE IS THE MEDIA PLAYING IN OTHER DEEPLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES - FURTHER PERSPECTIVES.

Journalists from around the world who are working in deeply divided societies discuss the challenges they face and the responsibilities they carry.

Irish editor and writer Sandy Barron who is now based in Myanmar leads a discussion with Colombian journalist Juanita Leon, Co-Founder of Free Expression Myanmar Yin Yadanar Thein, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Cathal McNaughton and Editor in Chief of the Kathmandu Post Anup Kaphle.

1030-1045 COFFEE BREAK

1045-1145 WHAT IMPACT IS SOCIAL MEDIA HAVING IN DEEPLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES & HOW CAN THEY BE ADDRESSED?

Journalists and social media experts working around the world discuss the impact of social media and the issues it raises. What future trends should we look out for? How has regulation worked to date?

Mike Posner Professor of Ethics and Finance at NYU Stern School of Business leads a discussion with Pawan Bali former bureau chief for CNN IBN in Kashmir, Wired magazine’s Gian Volpicelli and social media activist & organiser Anna Nolan was cofounder and Director at The Syria Campaign, and Zaina Erhaim an award winning Syrian journalist.

1145-1300 WHAT DOES BEST PRACTICE LOOK LIKE FOR THE MEDIA IN DEEPLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES?

Our final panel responds to all we have heard during the conference by highlighting examples of good practice and considering how to support & encourage it in the future.

Emeritus Professor at Ulster University & former leader of the Women’s Coalition at the talks for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement Monica McWilliams leads a discussion with Deputy CEO of the Media Development Investment Fund Mohamed Nanabhay, Deputy Executive Director of Human Rights Watch and former editor of the Mail & Guardian in South Africa Nic Dawes and Northern Correspondent of The Irish Times & author of widely commended new book Children of the Troubles Freya McClements.

CONFERENCE CLOSES