IAMCR President’s Welcome

I extend a very warm invitation to you to attend IAMCR’s 2006 conference, 23-28 July in Cairo.

The conference theme ‘Knowledge Societies for All’ is timely, interesting and provocative. It is timely because we know that many are still excluded from modern conceptions of knowledge societies, however defined. It is interesting because we are witnessing substantial growth in the numbers of researchers and practitioners who are concerned about the role of the media and the way older and newer information and communication technologies are becoming integrated in some people’s lives. It is provocative because the kinds of knowledge societies that are being fostered today are contested and they are not yet inclusive of all.

I extend a very warm invitation to you to attend IAMCR's 2006 conference, 23-28 July in Cairo. The conference theme 'Knowledge Societies for All' is timely, interesting and provocative. It is timely because we know that many are still excluded from modern conceptions of knowledge societies, however defined. It is interesting because we are witnessing substantial growth in the numbers of researchers and practitioners who are concerned about the role of the media and the way older and newer information and communication technologies are becoming integrated in some people's lives. It is provocative because the kinds of knowledge societies that are being fostered today are contested and they are not yet inclusive of all.

There is a continuing need for a dialogue about the way the media and new means of networking can play a role in alleviating inequalities and injustices of all kinds. The contributions of all those who participate in this conference will encourage that dialogue - and contribute to policy and practice.

The conference venue at the American University in Cairo is an ideal setting for our conference. It offers us many formal and informal spaces for discussion within very close walking distance of hotels. It will encourage us to concentrate on the essential lessons we can draw from historical experience when it is juxtaposed with our experiences in modern times.

I look forward to seeing you in Cairo.

Professor Robin Mansell President IAMCR