German Ambassador to Grace the 10th IREN E. A. Media Training

Published on 12th March 2012

German Ambassador to Kenya to deliver Keynote Address during the 10th Annual IREN Eastern Africa Media Training

Theme: Harnessing Digital Revolution to Benefit Africa
Date: March 16, 2012
Venue: Sarova Whitesands Hotel, Mombasa Kenya
Time: 9.00 am- 5.30 pm

The change from analog (mechanical and electronic) technology to digital technology has propelled global interconnectivity never witnessed before in the history of the world. Sweeping changes have been brought about by digital computing and communication technology, analogous to the Agricultural Revolution and Industrial Revolution. A colossal amount of information is available at the touch of the button. It’s estimated that by 2015, sub-Saharan Africa will have more people with mobile phone network access than electricity access at home. 

How can Eastern Africa harness the information age for its good?

“Judiciously managed, the digital revolution offers East Africans a great opportunity to present their talents and productivity to themselves and the rest of the World. Digital connectivity further presents a great platform for partnerships among European Union citizens and especially Germans with East Africans;” said Margit Hellwig-Boette, the German Ambassador to Kenya.

“At the Inter Region Economic Network (IREN), we are keen to explore the possibilities to tap into digital revolution to position East Africa as a hub of new but organically evolved thinking in East Africa;” said Mr. James Shikwati, Director Inter Region Economic Network.

The upcoming 10th IREN Eastern Africa Media Training that will involve carefully selected participants drawn from media houses and opinion leaders in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Southern Sudan. This event will seek to answer the following key questions:-

•Does Increase in information circulation necessarily lead to in informed citizenry?
•Does the Digital Revolution have an intrinsic and autonomous power to shape and transform society?
•How can East Africans harness Digital Revolution for wealth creation and build stable societies?
•What is the role of individual citizens, journalists, communication experts and opinion leaders in the Digital era?

To cover this event please call Zaina Shisia 0202731497 or email [email protected]

BACKGROUND

Founded in 2001, Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) has organized over 75 high profile forums and hosted over 5,000 delegates from across the globe with varied professional backgrounds. The IREN Eastern Africa Media Training is one of IREN’s key forums that targets media practitioners for annual brainstorming sessions on various issues that affect Eastern Africa.

For the last nine years, IREN has trained over 400 journalists and communicators from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia and Southern Sudan who cover business, governance and other developmental issues. The IREN Eastern Africa Media Training aims at exposing media practitioners to factors that influence events in the world and to principles of wealth creation.

IREN Eastern Africa Media Training Themes
2012 Harnessing Digital Revolution to benefit Africa
2011 Is Eastern Africa Ready for China-India and Europe?
2010 The Billionth African
2009 Africa Resources Conflict: Whose Interest does the Press Serve?
2008 The Role of the Media in Positioning Africa in the 21st Century
2007 Turning Africa’s People into a Resource
2006 Conquering Poverty through Business in Eastern Africa
2005 Property Rights in the African Context
2004 Business and International Trade
2003 World Trade Organization and Africa

The annual themes are set in line with the feedback received from the previous meetings as well as topical issues. In all IREN Eastern Africa Media Training meetings, varying viewpoints are key drivers to discussion. Interested persons apply to attend the meeting and all selected delegates are notified through email and phone.

IREN Philosophy: A free Human Mind is the Ultimate Capital     


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