Alexandre Rahr, Programme Director, German Council on Foreign Relations, Germany

I thank the organizers for having assembled such a distinguished audience in a geopolitical area that has become key in the shape of the new world order. Only by being on the spot and in the midst of the dramatic and fantastic developments here in the center of Eurasia, outsiders may grasp the significance of changes in front of us.

The conference indicates that Europe and Eurasia face common challenges and seek common solutions for the world's problems. Politicians and economic leaders are well advised to support the strengthening of the so-called fourth pillar of democratic societies - the mass media.