The communication on migration has increasingly become a priority topic being incorporated in migration related initiatives implemented by the European Commission and addressed by other international migration actors, striving towards a balanced narrative on migration and reaping its benefits. Indeed, the current discourse which surrounds migration has taken a dramatically negative turn in the last decade both within Europe and internationally. This demands a review on how information pertaining to migration is gathered, shared and disseminated amongst different actors, which greatly impacts on both policy and public perception.

Draft Agenda: Towards a balanced narrative on migration in the Mediterranean

8.00 – 8.45 Welcome Coffee & Registration

8.45 – 9.15  Keynote address by Hon. George W. Vella, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta. 

9.15 – 9.30 ‘How do media on both sides of the Mediterranean report on migration?’

9.30 – 10.30 High-level debate: Towards a balanced narrative on migration: what role for policy-makers and the media?

10.30 – 11.00 Networking Coffee Break (for participants)

11.00 – 12.30 Session 1. Balancing the narrative on migration: the role of the media and policymakers

11.00 – 12.30 Session 2. Changing the local discourse on migration

11.00 – 12.30 Session 3. Information needs required for better migration reporting and policymaking: the role of digital information portals

12.30 – 13.30 Networking lunch