A newsman known for his vision for journalism as a force that could help heal the deepest hurts and bridge the widest divides, Bob Webb died of natural causes, 23 August, in Arlington, Virginia. He was 89. ‘Bob was a topnotch media professional who knew the difference between real news and excitement and understood journalism’s role to inform, clarify and where possible inspire,’ said Rajmohan Gandhi, a biographer of his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi.

Bernard Margueritte reflects on the passing of Bob Webb, one of the core group of the International Communications Forum, who died on 23 August.

The ICF conference held in Warsaw 11 and 12 June 2018 ended with participants adopting a ‘Warsaw Declaration’ about the need for quality journalism, that can be endorsed by anyone who will feel the will to do so.

An international media conference organised by the International Communications Forum (ICF) and the Association of Polish Journalists (SDP), with the support of the Polish National Foundation and the Foundation for Journalist Solidarity was held in Warsaw, Poland, on 11 and 12 June.

This year saw the return of the International Media Awards after a four year interval. The awards recognise journalists and editors who have made outstanding contributions towards fostering understanding in the Middle East and around the world.

Jean-Jacques Odier was the Secretary for the French speaking world for the International Communications Forum from its inception in 1991. He partnered the President Bernard Margueritte on many expeditions to set up ICF conferences. In the first years 28 international conferences took place on five continents. His life and interests covered a wide range. A close media colleague, an Englishman, living in Switzerland, Andrew Stallybrass writes as a friend of many years.

The tragic incident on London Bridge has given us all pause for thought. This broken world is unbelievably cruel at times. And why? If you are capable of violence do you resort to violence merely because you can?

It was with profound sadness that we heard the news of the Manchester bombing. This act of cruelty was all the more atrocious because it deliberately targeted the young and vulnerable.

Bernard Margueritte, President of the International Communications Forum, represented the ICF at this significant conference in Greece. Around 50 people from 15 countries from around the world took part in the conference, lay people as well members of the clergy.

The International Communications Forum was deeply saddened to hear the news of the heartbreaking atrocity in Nice. We wish to express our profound sympathy and total solidarity with the people of France.