Scores of journalists from Asia, the Pacific and the United States are expected to gather in New Delhi on September 8-11 at the East-West Center’s 2016 International Media Conference, on the theme of  “South Asia Looking East.”

Distinguished keynote speakers and panels of working journalists will discuss the increasing links between South and East Asia, the future of the U.S. rebalance to Asia and the Pacific, and the latest information on the global news industry.

The conference at the India Habitat Centre will also include on-the-ground updates on news and media issues in the region; opportunities to learn about the complexity and diversity of India, the largest democracy in the world; a wide range of practical skill-building workshops; and unique opportunities to network with hundreds of international media professionals.

“The global influence of India and its South Asian neighbors has been rising significantly in recent years,” said conference director Susan Kreifels, EWC Media Programs Manager, about the gathering’s theme.”

India’s Act East policy has accelerated under Prime Minister Modi’s administration, promoting new connections and areas of cooperation among East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia.

These new dynamics and relationships in return have also created new challenges, making New Delhi an ideal location for this year’s media conference.”

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Mr. Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who faces scores of defamation lawsuits, will speak on silencing media and threats to free speech.
• Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, President and CEO of the Newseum, Washington, DC, on “The Algorithm Is an Editor.”
• Ms. Anja Manuel, American author of “This Brave New World: India, China, and the United States.”
• Mr. C. Raja Mohan, Director of Carnegie India, on political-security links across Asia.
• Ms. Karuna Nundy, Supreme Court Advocate, New Delhi, who works on women’s rights and empowerment, including the Womanifesto bill of rights for Delhi women.
• Mr. Nikhil Pahwa, Founder of MediaNama and Co-founder of SaveTheInternet grassroots campaign for Net Neutrality in India.
• Ms. Ritu Sarin, Executive Editor (News and Investigation) at The Indian Express, who will discuss cross-border investigative journalism and her work on The Panama Papers. She will be joined by other international journalists who reported on this worldwide project.
• A senior U.S. State Department official will discuss updates on the U.S. rebalance to the region.
• A keynote panel will feature journalists who have displayed extraordinary courage in their work.