Marking its 30th year of fostering the development of local media in more than 70 countries, Internews has launched InternewsNext, a year-long celebration of young new voices emerging in media and information around the world. Throughout the year, Internews will feature “30 Under 30,” highlighting media initiatives in communities around the world, working with journalists, bloggers, developers and others under the age of 30 to address the information needs of their communities.

To kick off the celebration, Internews hosted a reception and panel discussion in Washington, DC on May 2 in advance of World Press Freedom Day. The event explored the exciting future of media with young leaders in Central Asia, Afghanistan and the United States who are engaging the next generation using digital media and technology. Internews also introduced its new Internews Center for Innovation & Learning, designed to fuel inquiry, experimentation and learning across the organization’s programs and among its partners.

The event featured the following speakers (who are in the photos below, provided courtesy of Melwood Global):

Vladimir Chsheglov, former producer of M@trix, a youth-oriented TV program focusing on the latest developments in technology and the Internet for 13-25-year-olds across Central Asia.

Dawn Stallard, Senior Program Officer for Internews in Afghanistan, which collaborated with local partners to create the Afghan Youth Voices Festival whose activities included the first-ever Afghan women’s group blog, cartoon and graffiti workshops, a music festival, and photography workshops and exhibitions.

Erica Williams, a civic innovator, social commentator and activist recognized for her passion in engaging the next generation in civic life. Listed by Politico.com as one of “50 Top Politicos,” she is currently a Senior Strategist at Citizen Engagement Lab (CEL).