Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster, has developed this initiative based on "a simple philosophy": "Those working on the future have to think in networks - and in global dimensions." All the details of each past and forthcoming conference are available on a dedicated website, which features the use of social media (Twitter, blogging, audio, videos, photos, etc.) to connect participants, to offer them links to further information about the specific topics being covered in the conversations, and to exchange the results of their collaboration each year in Bonn.

For example, in June 2009, more than 1,200 participants from approximately 100 countries came to the World Conference Center Bonn to participate in a 3-day conference focusing on "Conflict Prevention in the Multimedia Age". Representatives from the media, politics, business, science, and culture joined in discussions with Deutsche Welle partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at the conference, which featured a programme of more than 50 different events. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deutsche Welle's Director General highlighted key points to emerge from the discussions: "We have effectively overcome the struggle between traditional and new media....The media - regardless of how it is distributed - must live up to clearly-defined quality standards". He stressed that, especially in conflict situations and political hot spots, the media must act as responsible professionals - while honoring journalistic impartiality - and contribute to conflict prevention and containment. He also announced that the third edition of the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, which will focus on "Media and Global Warming", will take place from June 21-23 2010 in Bonn.

Media Development, Conflict, Environment.