Conclusion

"When all think alike, none are thinking"
- Walter Lippman, American journalist
Following a successful conclusion to the Second Eurasian Media Forum, Dariga Nazarbayeva said a third conference would be held, again in Almaty, in 2004.
"What I like about the Eurasian Media Forum is that it puts together different cultures with success. I can smell China here but I can also smell Europe," said Giulio Pecora, Chief Foreign Editors of Italy's ANSA news agency.
A total of 300 people from nearly 40 countries attended the 2003 conference. Of the delegates, two-thirds were from countries within the former Soviet Union.
Delegates said the Forum's ability to tackle contentious issues, including press freedom and corruption, and to absorb lively and sometimes fiery exchanges added to the overall meeting.
"Concentrating on seizing the moment of hope is better than arguing about the past," one delegate said.