Tackling inequality at home and overseas

The roles that media and culture can play in tackling inequality will be the subject of a debate at Northumbria University next Monday.

Speakers at the event are Professor Vinod Pavarala who is the UNESCO Chair of Community Media at the University of Hyderabad in India and Tony Durcan OBE from Newcastle City Council.

The debate has been organised by Matt Baillie Smith, a Professor of International Development at Northumbria University who believes regions from different countries can learn a lot from each other.

“Some people may be surprised how much common ground there is between Newcastle and India but, although on different sides of the world, they both have communities that are marginalised and lack access to resources to help them live meaningful and fulfilling lives,” said Prof Baillie Smith.

“There is still a view that the West is economically strong and we have little to learn from countries traditionally perceived to be poor. However, India’s economy is currently booming while the UK is facing times of austerity so it’s important to share knowledge and use that to develop responses to the challenges.”

Prof Pavarala, who is the leading authority on community radio in India will discuss the roles that community media can play in tackling inequality. He currently plays an active role negotiating for space on the airwaves to allow poorer and more rural communities in India to “have a voice.”

The debate will be held on Monday, 15 July at 7pm in room 02A in Squires Building on Northumbria’s University’s Newcastle campus. The event is free but people are asked to book a place in advance here or phone Caspar on 07790 470846.