The EBU is delighted to be partnering with the Anna Lindh Foundation again for this year’s MED FORUM in Malta.

MED FORUM 2016 is the largest civil society gathering of its kind and is devoted to improving intercultural dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean area. It is organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation which is an inter-governmental institution bringing together civil society, citizens and media to build trust and improve understanding in the Mediterranean region. The EBU has been a partner of the Foundation for the last 8 years.

Against a backdrop of unprecedented regional challenges, the 42-country Forum has been timed to take place ahead of the first Maltese EU Presidency, and will bring together a unique network of practitioners, donors, institutions and young people to challenge the forces of polarization.

The programme for this year’s event was launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Valletta this week. EBU Vice-President and RAI Chair Monica Maggioni will be among those addressing the Forum on the opening day. And EBU Member Maltese broadcaster PBS will be the media partner of the event.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said: “We know the media has an incredibly important role to play in improving understanding between peoples. Public service broadcasters can help address the gaps in public perception that are often exploited by those movements of division in the world.

“We believe MED FORUM 2016 will offer a unique opportunity for broadcasters to gain a better understanding of the region’s complex social and cultural landscape and to accelerate the transition process from state media to true public service media in the region.”

Med Forum 2016 takes place from 23-25 October in Valletta. Members wishing to cover the event should contact Regina Salanova or Rana El Sadek for press accreditation.