Alexander Potapov, Editor-in-chief, newspaper "Trud", Russia

The world has entered another phase of unpredictable intensive changes. Apparently, democracy itself is becoming not only a tool and force, but also a weapon. We are gathering in Almaty to try to imagine a better place, and what the opportunities and role for mass media are in all these events. It looks like media and information is having much more impact on society today. This impact can often be positive when conflicts of interests are exposed in politics, the economy and other spheres. Yet often media can be manipulated and used in a negative fashion by people pursuing their own agenda and objectives. The only indisputable thing here - is the necessity to look for the conditions and prerequisites under which the media could fully operate as an inalienable tool, instrument (not a weapon) of democracy in our countries and in the world.

We believe that the forum, our "media-eurasianship" in Almaty, famous for its apples, will, through sound debates and exchange of ideas, help to grow an "apple of consent" and not the "fruit of dischord" that always leaves a sour taste.