Riz Khan, Rizkhan Productions, USA

The importance of the media has never been more evident than now - a time where wars are lost and won on television.

Satellite broadcasting has brought far off places into the homes of ordinary people, and what they see helps to form their opinions. Political leaders in almost every nation are now painfully aware that their every move is witnessed by anyone who wants to watch.

Perhaps this is why the importance of the media is something we are all here to debate.
There is the added value of putting the discussions into the perspective of Eurasia, an increasingly important and vast area linking east and west not only geographically, but politically too. Here, with differing levels of success, the influence of the former Soviet Union blends with a move towards the free market and more transparent leadership.

Eurasia is poised to demonstrate how major religions such as Islam and Christianity can find a middle ground, and how diverse cultures can mingle. It is truly a melting pot.

Right now, the world is going through a huge upheaval that goes beyond simple warfare. The questions raised by the US-led action in Iraq have caused a major rethink of how a country's national interests may clash with global responsibilities. It has certainly raised the spectre of naming allies and foes in a situation that seems doomed to have no middle ground. One thing is certain; once the dust settles in Baghdad and beyond, there will be a different landscape. Different for the United Nations, different for the Middle East, and certainly different for journalists who have found a new term to add to industry lingo: "embedded". What are the pros and cons of such an arrangement with the military? How fair and free is the reporting? I am sure these will be among the questions during this gathering, as we kick off with "Eurasia: Conflict Areas and the Role of the Media".

The well-known British television journalist and interviewer, David Frost, once remarked: "Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home".
Perhaps the cynics now might add: "…and shows you what others want you to see".
Have a lively forum, and enjoy the delightful people and character of Almaty.