Victor Loshak, Editor-in-chief, "Moskovskie Novosti" newspaper, Russia

Events like the Eurasian Media Forum create new professional horizons for the participants. Those who have attended it will not be able to perceive themselves merely within the framework of one city, one newspaper or one particular TV company. The Media Forum creates a unique sense of community among those who contribute to the global flow of information, thoughtful individuals who through their work are attempting to equate life and civil duty.

Today, when world opinion has been split over the war in Iraq, it requires courage to hold a forum that brings together Europe and Asia. The war posed new questions not only for the world but also for journalists. To what extent can we be impartial? Can each of us overcome not only our own bias but also the dogmatic bases of the society that we grew up in? What rights do we have to conceal anything and do authorities have the right to withhold anything from us?

A journalist can perform a lot alone. Indeed, our profession is very individualistic but if we want to stand our ground and safeguard the freedom and other principles of our profession in the 21st century, then we need to work together. The Media Forum in Almaty is the perfect place for that.