Forum 2000 May Bulletin

Coming soon | 27th Forum 2000 Conference in Prague

The 27th Forum 2000 Conference will be held on October 15-17, 2023. Save the date and stay tuned for updates and details on our website and social networks.

In the meantime, learn more about the origins and story of the conference and take a look back at the previous 26 years!

Forum 2000 commemorated the World Press Freedom Day 

This year, on May 3rd, marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to proclaim International Press Freedom Day. We at Forum 2000 commemorated this important date remembering Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, imprisoned for her reporting on the COVID-19. Zhang Zhan won in 2022 the International Forum 2000 Award for Courage and Responsibility. The struggle for free reporting continues… 

The Forum 2000 Foundation took part in Europe Day

In the Czech Republic, to commemorate Europe Day and the Czech Republic’s membership of the EU, the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, together with the European Parliament Information Office, the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic and other partners, organized an open-air multi-genre festival in Prague. In addition to music, the program included discussions with interesting personalities, information stands of the embassies of EU member states and other partners, and other activities. The Forum 2000 Foundation was there.

The Forum 2000 editor’s pick

A selection of essential articles, opinions, ideas and news from the Forum 2000 network.

Quo vadis Paraguay? | Global Americans | Evan Ellis | “Representing both potential change and continuity, the victory of the Colorado Party in Paraguay’s April 30, 2023 national elections puts the country on a delicate path with both risks and opportunities for its partner the United States and with the rest of Latin America.”.

France’s “influence diplomacy” under CCP influence | Sinopsis | René Bigey | “‘Cultural and influence diplomacy’ plays an important role in France’s foreign policy. Values it aims to promote include human rights, democracy and the diversity of cultural expression. Yet, in Greater China, heavyweight united front figures such as Jonathan Choi and Pansy Ho […] have become major donors to French cultural operations organised by French authorities, in spite of their public defence of policies and values at odds with those promoted by France.”

“Crony state capitalism” and private-sector responses | CIPE | Adam Goldstein | “This research paper investigates new and pressing challenges for the European Union (EU), an entity that has generally faced low threats of authoritarianism from within. Some countries in the EU such as Hungary (the focus of this research) are experiencing increasing levels of state capture and systemic corruption, accompanied by high degrees of foreign investment, despite membership within international institutions that are market oriented. These developments imply blurred boundaries between public and private interests. Experts say that this is one of many indications of backsliding within established market-oriented organizations.”

Freedom House presented its 2023 Freedom Award to Vladimir Kara-Murza and the Women of Iran | Freedom House | Freedom House presented its 2023 Freedom Award to Vladimir Kara-Murza and the women of Iran in recognition of their unwavering commitment and activism to advance democracy and freedom.  

The views expressed in these works are the responsibility of its authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum 2000 Foundation or its staff.