“Beacon for Freedom of Expression” Conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The idea of the “Beacon for Freedom of Expression” was first proposed during a one-day conference organized by the BA on 19 May 2003, followed by another from 18 to 20 September 2004. The sole purpose behind these two conferences was to raise awareness on challenging issues related to the freedom of expression.

On the occasion of celebrating the rebirth of the Library of Alexandria- the library of humanity- the Norwegian Dialogue Forum for Freedom of Expression has designed and issued a bibliographic database on worldwide censorship and freedom of expression.
This database is considered a unique source of information that is liable to promote dialogue on the universal right to freedom of expression between world cultures and, thus, establish the fact that there no other way of fighting oppression is better than providing free access to information and engaging in dialogue and expression.
By means of joint effort between the Norwegian Dialogue Forum for Freedom of Expression and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the BA`s Dialogue Forum organized and held at its premises the Third International Conference of the Beacon for Freedom of Expression, on Tuesday, 22 April 2008.
The first session, entitled “Freedom of Expression and the Law”, was moderated by TV presenter Bothayna Kamel. Dr. Kadry Hefny, Dr. Hatem El Tahawy, Ambassador Aly Maher El Sayed and Dr. Maged Mouris were the main speakers.
“Access to Information” was the title of the second session, which was moderated by TV presenter Shahira Ameen. The speakers were Dr. Hossam Lotfy, Dr. Hussein Abd El Aziz, Yan Hanningson, Director of the Swedish Institute in Alexandria, and Mrs. Vigidis Scarstein, from the National Library of Norway.
As the conference came to an end, the Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina brought up a consequential issue; namely, the concept that exchange of information is not only concerned with its availability but also with allowing easy access to its domain; a major point that should be borne in mind. In its vision towards a better future, the BA will carry upon its shoulders the heavy burden of addressing all raised questions concerning freedom of expression and disseminating knowledge.
source:http://topics.developmentgateway.org/arab/rc/ItemDetail.do?itemId=1152743