The International Press Institute announced today that it will host an international Oil, Gas and Media Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan from 17-19 September 2012.

Held in partnership with IPI’s Azerbaijan National Committee and other sponsors, the three-day summit will bring together representatives from the petrochemical industries, government officials, journalists and other interested groups to discuss the intersections between energy and security, energy and democracy, and energy and media freedoms.

“We feel this conference represents a unique opportunity for leaders in Azerbaijan and other oil-rich states to meet with journalists who cover these issues on a regular basis in a neutral setting, where both groups can learn from each other, and create the tools necessary for an ongoing, positive dialogue,” noted IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie.

“We also understand,” she continued, “that there are still a number of very real problems to overcome. To deal with each other successfully and professionally on a daily basis will require the type of best practices and transparency that this conference is specifically designed to promote. We expect that it will give attendees a useful new forum for productive discourse, and in doing so, will also help to create some positive examples for their peers”.

Programme:
The event, to be held at Baku’s Kempinski Hotel Badamdar, will feature panel discussions and other forums on a number of topics, including:
“Oil & Press Freedom – Rig over Troubled Waters?”
“Chasing the Story: What the Government Should Tell You”
“My Nation is Oil Rich, So Why Am I So Poor?”
“The Use of Social Media by Oil Companies in the Public Opinion Fight”

Event Summary:
Title: Oil, Gas and Media Conference
Dates: 17-19 September 2012
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan – Kempinski Hotel Badamdar
Host: International Press Institute
Registration rates: IPI Members: 175€ / Non-Members: 225€
Register here: www.ipioilgasmedia2012.com
About the International Press Institute:
Formed in 1950, IPI was created specifically to advance the cause of journalism wherever it is practiced. IPI is the oldest global advocacy organization for the protection of press freedom. Based in Vienna, the Institute comprises a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists dedicated to protecting and promoting press freedom, freedom of opinion and expression, the free flow of news and information and journalistic best practices around the globe.

For more information about IPI, please visit: www.freemedia.at. Or follow us online via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.