Organizers (*)

Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS):

IPYS is a society of journalists based in Lima that promotes freedom of the press, the access to public information and investigative journalism. In order to achieve this it prepares situation reports in several Latin – American countries, carries out specialized investigations and promotes the debate about the role of the media. It is a society with no commitments to unions, or business, political or ideological groups. IPYS reacts against limitations, aggressions or attacks against the press or freedom of expression. Since 2002 it has joined efforts with Transparency International to award the most important prize to Latin American investigative journalism.

In May 2000, the International Press Institute (IPI) honored IPYS with the Free Media Pioneer Award because of the effectiveness of its protection networks. IPYS is a member of the Reporters without Borders Network and the International Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), based in Canada.

 

Transparency International in Latin America and the Caribbean (TILAC):

Transparency International is a civil society organization that leads the fight against corruption globally. Through more than 90 chapters around the world and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, TI raises awareness about the damaging effects of corruption. It works with governments, businesses and the civil society to achieve this, aiming to devise and implement effective measures to address it.

TI has a network of 13 chapters in Latin America, established ten years ago.

 

Promoters (*)

Ford Foundation:

The Ford Foundation’s fundamental objectives are to contribute to the strengthening of democratic values and human rights, reduce poverty and injustice, and promote international cooperation and advance human achievement. To achieve these objectives, the Foundation supports a wide range of civil society organizations, in coordination with governmental agencies in some cases, to build knowledge, foster citizen participation in economic and political life, consolidate human rights and the rule of law, and build the capacity of public institutions to respond to societal needs. 

In the Andean region and Southern Cone, the Ford Foundation's fundamental objective is to confront political and social exclusion and racial discrimination. Within this framework it focuses its efforts in supporting initiatives that deal with these issues through four key areas: Governance and transparency in public spending, Access to higher education for the members of historically marginalized communities, Economic security and rural development, and Human rights and racial justice.

Open Society Institute (OSI):

The Open Society Institute is a private foundation that works globally to build tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve its mission OSI aims to shape public policies so that they assure greater fairness in political, legal and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance education, public health and an independent media, among other issues. At the same time, OSI supports alliances across borders and continents in issues such as corruption, transparency and the freedom of information. OSI places a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

 

The Trust for the Americas:

The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that works with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote private and public sector participation in strategic projects that respond to the OAS’ principal goals.

The Foundation’s mission is to execute training programs for individuals and organizations. The foundation implements these programs in cooperation with local organizations, with support from more than 200 private and public sector entities in more than 21 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

Radio Nederland Training Centre – Latin America (RNTC- LA):

RNTC is a center of excellence in the fields of media, development and education. It designs and implements projects that support the development of the media sector and the effective use of the media for development. Through capacity building activities aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of the media, RNTC-LA works in Latin America with media organizations, communication professionals, civil society organizations and international organizations  in using the media more effectively to communicate with different target groups and audiences, in the interest of development. Over 40 years RNTC has developed a working method that includes e-Learning and transfers it to interested capacity building organizations, education centers and university departments.

 

United States of America Embassy in Perú:

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Perú is responsible for informing about the U.S., its government and policies, as well as its people, institutions and culture.

 

(*) The opinions and interpretations expressed in this Conference’s webpage reflect its authors’ personal perspectives exclusively. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the organizations’ viewpoint, position, strategy or perspective.