Media and Development - RNW - Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Foreword
Lem van Eupen
General Manager RNTC
In 1968 RNTC was established by Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen media in developing
countries. Established as an institute for international education, RNTC has
developed over the years into a centre of excellence in the field of media,
education and development.
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, RNTC invited stakeholders in the
field of media and development for a two-day conference, held in Hilversum
on June 5-6, 2008, on “Media and development: future scenarios for
international cooperation”.
The conference was set up according to open space methodologies such as
Future Search and Appreciative Inquiry, thus providing an interactive and
participative environment for the participants. Over sixty professionals
from broadcast media in the North and the South, NGOs working in the field
of media and communication, government agencies and policymakers,
donors and development partners, educational institutes and training
organisations, gathered in different sessions and brought in their
knowledge and experience to draw up inspiring scenarios for the future.
They came from all over the world: all in all from 30 different countries,
including 23 developing countries and countries in transition.
This report is an attempt to give a reflection of the vibrant discussions
and exchange of knowledge and experience during the two days of
the conference. We provide some background information about the
methodology used, and we describe the key themes that came up in the
different sessions. The cartoons included in the report are an artistic
impression of the topics that were raised during the working sessions.
Partnership, interactivity, mutual learning and participation have been
key words in the work of RNTC since its inception in 1968. The conference
illustrated this.
It was an active and inspiring two days which produced ‘a portfolio of ideas’,
shared experiences and common values, cross-cutting contacts and fertile
soil for future international cooperation. For most participants the process
was an exciting adventure, which not only brought them new knowledge
and ideas, but also introduced them to a new participative methodology of
planning and learning.
It is our sincere wish that, using the positive energy that was generated
by this conference, we can make these dreams come true in the decade to
come.