The Foundation for International Communication is a non-governmental, non profit making organisation registered under German law as Förderverein für Internationale Kommunikation (FIK).
Established in January 1995, it continues the work of the international communication project launched by former executives of the student union of the University of Hanover in 1990. The FIC aims to serve and improve international communication amongst NGOs, alternative media, institutions and individuals striving to change the world for the better in all different parts of the globe. With its publication NEWSLETTER - ICP, today the Foundation links up more than 1,000 NGOs, alternative media and other organisations, institutions and individuals in 121 countries of the world. NEWSLETTER appears in an English and in a German language edition. Preparations are currently made for a Spanish and a French language edition.
In addition, the FIC co-produces other publications like Journal des Journaux du Zaïre, a quarterly review of the independent Zairian press, and publications on specific topics like the Bretton Woods Institutions or policies of the European Round Table of industrialists.
With a database today already containing addresses of more than 13,000 non-governmental organisation all over the world the FIC offers as a service to NGOs and institutions to arrange contacts to people active in all kinds of fields in almost every corner of the planet.
With the communication services it provides, the training seminars it offers, and conferences like the one documented in this report, the Foundation for International Communication represents a vital tool to increase the effectiveness and co-operation ability of existing organisations.
Through its latest division, the Global Alternative Media Association (GAMA), the Foundation wishes to strengthen in particular the role and co-operation of alternative media. In this co-operation it emphasises in particular the access of alternative media in the South to existing and future international communication sources.
In all its activities it has a particular objective in the breaking down of communication gaps and to provide everyone with free and equal access to information. This includes taking into consideration the disadvantaged position of organisations, groups and individuals due to their financial position or any other form of discrimination, and giving special support and assistance to these groups. Neither in its publications nor in its declarations nor any internal or external statements will FIC promote racist, sexist, fascist or any other discriminating remarks (...)
(quoted from FIC's statutes, para 2 Aims)
Ingo Jaeger