12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Fragile states around the world demand international attention from both the diplomatic and development communities. They are states where governance tends to be weakest and development is most difficult to achieve. Media is often most vulnerable to cooption in these states. This discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities for media development in fragile states using Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Somalia as case studies.
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
The National Endowment for Democracy celebrated 30 years of supporting freedom and democracy around the world with a ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The event featured welcoming remarks by Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner and Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi.
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Based on the true story of Franak Viachorka and Belarusian youth activists, the film Viva Belarus! depicts the life and fate of nonconformist youth living in “Europe’s last dictatorship.” The film was followed by a panel discussion on the role of youth in pushing for positive change in Belarus, lead by experts in the field.
