Report :

FNSt organized a training seminar during the period 28 September -10 October 2008, the seminar was about the freedom of the press, the media, and the free exchange of information. I was selected to participate together with several other individuals from around the world, and from varied cultures. The seminar was held in the International Academy for Leadership, which was well prepared to host 20 media workers from around the world, providing all possible means for comfort, knowledge, and educational materials, requisite for the completion of the training properly.

I was happy to participate in this seminar with other representatives of countries seeking economic and political reform, but from a different cultural background and speaking different languages, which reflected an exceptional diversity in the ideas and the exchange of experience and expertise. I had the opportunity, therefore, to hear different opinions. Moreover, the seminar was enriched by the outstanding dialogue and training of the media workers from countries such as Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico, Argentina, Honduras, Guatemala, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. It was very pleasing to see representatives from Russia and Georgia in the same seminar, which embodies liberal thought and confirms the idea of dialogue that is elevated above conflicts and disputes among the people. This was also a gesture that affirms that dialogue can be the approach used within a framework of democracy and freedom, peace, justice, and tolerance, among the world peoples, irrespective of their diversity and differences.

The sessions addressed several economic and political issues relating to the freedom of the press and the media. Every participant presented the experience of his/her country in this field, and the extent of the implementation of democracy as reflected in the exchange of information, and the freedom of the press and the media.

The training program was practical and discussion-based, in addition to presentations and workshops. We were divided sometimes into thematic groups. We also conducted radio, television, and press projects about the city of Gummersbach, which enriched the program specifically when we reviewed these projects about the city where the Academy is situated.

We had a great experience upon visiting the most renowned media corporations in Germany such as the DW channel in Bonn. Also, we visited the most prominent magazine Der Spiegel, where we met with senior editors and conducted open interviews with them. This meeting was in the city of Hamburg, where we were taken to a tour to visit the tourist sites, which was very entertaining and I had hoped that I had a camera with me so that I could have produced a program about this unique experience.

We also visited NDR, a public German television channel, and talked to officials in charge of the general television channels in Germany. This program could have been enhanced if it had included a visit to Berlin to know about the role of the media during the Nazi era, and the reunification of Germany, particularly that our visit was concurrent with the celebration of the unification.

The training was characterized by the diversity of methodology: theoretical presentation, dialogues, and discussions, as well as the use of educational materials, practice, applications, and group work. All of this enabled the interaction among all participants closely. This led to a great cultural exchange. Moreover, the program was very well-organized as well as a committed to the agenda.

Among the topics discussed was the extent of freedom that should be guaranteed to the press and the media, and whether such freedom was absolute. Given the cultural and religious diversity of the participants, as well as the misguided conceptions about Arabs and Muslims, I played the role of setting them right, and I was able through dialogue to reach a result. We agreed that the freedom of the press and the media is important and should be safeguarded but within the limits of responsibility, such as the respect for religions, laws, ethical values, and the freedom of others.

This confirms that as we hold on to liberal thinking we can achieve peace, progress and freedom. Thus, I would like to extend my thanks to FNSt for giving me this opportunity to participate in this international media seminar, which enriched my experience, especially professionally. I would like to specifically thank the team in Cairo and commend their efforts in trying to achieve the elevated goal of the Foundation and in trying to help us find opportunities for multicultural dialogue to solve the problems of the world from a distinct liberal perspective.