The integrity of the information space nowadays is emerging as a fundamental value and stake in a world where domestic and foreign actors are challenging democratic values and the established order within our countries and internationally. We are faced with three questions that will determine the future of the democracy:
– To what extent will the various forms of anti-democratic foreign information manipulation and interference – by Russia, China, Iran, and other authoritarian states – succeed in forming a common front of the Global South against the West?
– To what extent will the disinformation and propaganda narratives that penetrate the information space of democratic states gain support from within, exacerbating internal divisions and undermining trust in democratic values and institutions in our countries?
– How can we build a high-integrity information space capable of countering the growing waves of anti-democratic propaganda and undue foreign influence?
Thematic and geographical focus:
The Sofia Information Integrity Forum will have five main thematic tracks focusing on policy, research, technologies, media literacy, and institution building, with the aim of developing a strong and unified regional strategic approach to counter FIMI. Contributions within one or more of the five thematic tracks are welcome, focusing on – but not limited to – the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Why attend the Sofia Information Integrity Forum 2024?
– Gain insights: Learn from leading experts about the evolving landscape of foreign influence operations.
– Network with key stakeholders: Connect with policymakers, media and business professionals, and civil society leaders working to address these critical challenges.
– Develop solutions: Contribute to collaborative efforts to build regional resilience to malign foreign information manipulation and interference.
Working language: English
When: 7–9 November 2024
Where: Sofia, Bulgaria
Format: In-person event with live streaming
Important dates:
30 September 2024: Call for Sessions application deadline: session applications will be reviewed and selected on an ongoing basis and will be endorsed for inclusion in the agenda on a first-come-first-served basis;
30 September 2024: Call for Papers – abstracts submission deadline;
10 October 2024: Notification of paper acceptance deadline;
25 October 2024: Paper/presentation submission deadline. A full version of the papers selected for publication in a designated special issue of the journal Critique & Humanism should be submitted within 30 days after the conference;
For more information: https://sofia-info-integrity.eu/