First Wednesday

The Future of Europe

In light of the recent terror attacks in Brussels, and ahead of the 23 June referendum, we will be joined by journalists who cover the continent to discuss the crisis it faces on all sides – and what the prospect of Brexit spells for the future of Europe.

First Wednesday: The Fight Against Daesh

Since the Paris attacks on 13 November, world leaders have seemingly put grievances aside to unite in a newly energised fight against Daesh – but what can be achieved by bombing the already bombed-out cities of Syria? For the first First Wednesday of 2016 we will be bringing together a panel to discuss the diplomatic, logistical and ideological challenges of the fight against Daesh.

First Wednesday: The Dayton Agreement 20 Years On

The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as the Dayton Agreement, put an end to the most violent conflict in Europe since World War II. But 20 years on have the divisions been bridged? Have the wounds healed? We will be joined by a panel of those who were involved in the negotiations along with those who covered the war to reflect on the events of 20 years ago, the process of peace and reconciliation that followed, and whether the country today is reconciled.

First Wednesday Preview Screening: The Road to Mosul, VICE News + Panel Discussion

This screening will be followed by a panel discussion with co-director Frederick Paxton and others.
With rare access to the Peshmerga on the front lines of the war against the IS, The Road to Mosul unveils the reality of the Kurds’ war against the group, providing a portrait of ordinary volunteers, poorly trained and equipped, locked in stalemate against a powerful enemy. The film also captures the impact of the war on the civilians caught in between.

The Frontline Club and Monocle 24 present: Crisis in the Mediterranean

War, economic crisis, political repression and environmental degradation are pushing increasing numbers of people to make the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe. We will be bringing together a panel of experts to answer your questions about the unfolding crisis. We will be examining the root causes of the crisis and looking at the measures that need to be taken to avoid the 30,000 deaths the IOM predicts.

First Wednesday Screening: India’s Daughter + Panel Discussion

In 2012, the brutal gang rape on a Delhi bus of a 23-year-old medical student, who later died from her injuries, made international headlines and ignited protests. India’s Daughter is an impassioned plea for change, paying tribute to a remarkable and inspiring young woman. The film explores the compelling human stories behind the incident and the political ramifications in India.

Following the screening we will be joined by director Leslee Udwin and others to discuss the international reactions to the film, the aftermath of the Indian broadcast ban, and the greater issue of gender based violence.

First Wednesday: The Fight Against Ebola

The World Health Organisation has described the Ebola epidemic in West Africa as “unparalleled in modern times”. In the largest and most complex outbreak since the virus was discovered in 1976, more than 3,000 people have died. We will be joined by a panel of experts to take a view of the situation on the ground, how Ebola is being combated and what more needs to be done. We will also be looking at the stigma that surrounds the virus and the long-term impact this outbreak will have on the region.

First Wednesday: The Hunt for Nigeria’s Missing Schoolgirls

The recent abduction by militant Islamist group Boko Haram of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls sparked global outrage, leading to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and military assistance from Britain, the US, France and China. With attacks in northern Nigeria on the increase we will be bringing together a panel of experts to examine the emergence of Boko Haram and what is being done to combat them.

First Wednesday: The Battle for the Future of Ukraine

As the build-up of Russian forces in Crimea continues, tensions are mounting in Ukraine. With the country in a period of great uncertainty, its fate part of a wider strategic battle between the West and Russia, we will be looking at what the future holds for 45 million Ukrainians.

First Wednesday: South Sudan – What does the future hold for the world’s youngest country?

Fighting continues as delegations from South Sudan’s warring factions meet for talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The country, which gained its independence in July 2011, has seen at least 1,000 killed and 180,000 displaced since mid-December.

We will be joined by a panel of experts, journalists and aid workers to give you an up-to-date picture of what is happening on the ground and an insight into the divisions and tensions that have caused the conflict.

First Wednesday: Has NSA spying “reached too far”?

The latest revelations from whistleblower Edward Snowden have further exposed the extent of the US National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance. As pressure mounts on Washington and the release of information continues, join us to explore what the files reveal and the consequences of this diplomatic storm. We will be examining the actions of the intelligence services and asking whether they are aligned with protecting national security or as US Secretary of State John Kerry has said, that in some cases their “actions have reached too far”.

First Wednesday: Kenya’s fight against al-Shabaab

On 21 September Somali insurgent group al-Shabaab launched a devastating attack on a shopping centre in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. For October’s First Wednesday we will be joined by a panel of experts and journalists to discuss how the Kenyan government will respond and what the implications will be in the region. We will be examining the threat posed by al-Shabaab in the neighbouring countries and further afield, and exploring their origins and motivations.

First Wednesday: Crossing the Red Line

As the rhetoric about intervention in Syria escalates, we will be bringing together a panel of experts to examine the arguments for and against, and the implications of action or inaction.

First Wednesday: Is talking to the Taliban a solution?

On 18 June Nato handed over security for the whole of Afghanistan to the Afghan government. At the same time in Doha, Qatar, the Taliban opened an office, establishing a political face to the movement. Paddy O’Connell of BBC Radio 4′s Broadcasting House will be hosting a panel of experts to take an in-depth look at what negotiations with the Taliban mean for Afghanistan.

First Wednesday: Who will be the next president of Iran and why does it matter?

On 14 June Iranians will go to to the polls to vote for a president to replace Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but what significance does this election hold? Join us to analyse the approaching election, the main players and what the result will mean for the future of Iran.

First Wednesday: Pakistan goes to the polls

As Pakistan gears up for critically important elections, we are joined by a panel of experts who will be discussing the significance of this election and analysing the candidates, their alliances and policies.

First Wednesday: Syria crisis – Diplomatic shifts and developing dialogues

A year after Marie Colvin was killed in Homs, the war in Syria is still raging and has cost the lives of more than 60,000 people. Following new US Secretary of State John Kerry’s first foreign tour, we ask if he can deliver on his vow not to leave the Syrian opposition “dangling in the wind”.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: Will 2013 see an end to the conflict in Syria?

March 2013 will mark two years since the conflict in Syria began. The UN has said it believes the fighting has now cost the lives of at least 60,000 people. We will be bringing together an expert panel to update you on the situation in the country, and to look ahead at the prospects for 2013.

First Wednesday: Trouble at the BBC – Savile, management and public trust

Join us as we ask whether the criticism levelled at the BBC and its management is fair and how damaging it could be.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: Defending Islam and free speech

Freedom of expression or provocation? Join us as we examine the root causes of the wave of protest and violent attacks that have spread across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: What does the result of Egypt’s Presidential election mean for the country and the region?

Join us with a panel of experts to examine the challenges Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohammed Mursi will face at home and abroad and whether he will keep to his promise of being a leader for all Egyptians.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: Syria – Is this the tipping point?

Again Syria hits our front pages but will the massacre of more than 100 men, women and children in Houla be the final straw for the international community?

What are the options on the table for the international community, the Assad regime and the opposition forces? Join us as we ask whether the deepening crisis in Syria is reaching a tipping point.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: KONY 2012 – A force for good?

The recent KONY 2012 campaign video has been met with strong criticism, but nobody can question its effectiveness in reaching a mass audience.

Despite its inaccuracies this campaign has created wider awareness about Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) than any news report or campaign that has come before it, so what can be learned? Join us for April’s First Wednesday as we debate whether the KONY 2012 campaign is a force for good or a worrying development in campaigning.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: The problems facing Pakistan and its leadership

Political tension are rising in Pakistan following the the Supreme Courts decision to charge Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani with contempt for failing to re-open corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

We will be bringing together a panel of experts to discuss the deepening political crisis in Pakistan and ask what lies ahead.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: The Leveson Inquiry – what have we learned?

Since the Leveson Inquiry hearings began on 14 November some of the worst of British journalism has been laid bare by the victims of phone hacking, politicians, journalists and editors who have spoken.

As revelations from the phone hacking investigation continue, join us for the first event of 2012 to discuss what has been revealed about the workings of the tabloid press and what the fall out will be for the journalism industry.

A lively public meeting hosted by Paddy O’Connell of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: #Occupy – What do they want?

What began in the financial district of New York City in mid September under the name Occupy Wall Street has become a movement that is spreading across the globe. But what do they want and how do they intend to achieve their goals? Are their aims realistic? Can they have any impact?

Join us at the Frontline Club to debate the aims and objectives of the Occupy movement and to discuss whether it can bring about any change.

First Wednesday: Where has war left the people of Afghanistan?

How do the Afghan people view the last ten years since the US-led invasion and how have their lives have been changed?

Is it just another chapter in nearly half a century of conflict and instability? Is civil war avoidable? Is there any hope for the future and what might that future look like?

Another opportunity to join in a lively public meeting, hosted by Paddy O’Connell of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, bringing together experts and commentators and mixing their views with contributions from our audience.

FIRST WEDNESDAY SPECIAL: Changing world – conflict, culture and terrorism in the 21st century

#fcbbca

EXTERNAL EVENT HELD AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN.

To mark ten years since the terrorists attacks on the United States, the Frontline Club is holding a special event to look at the extent to which 9/11 has defined our world today and will continue to shape our future.

FULLY BOOKED First Wednesday: Where now for the people of Syria?

Since mid – March when the Arab Spring reached Syria there have been continuous crack downs on protestors by Syrian forces. There are claims more than 1,700 civilians have been killed. The authorities in Syria claim 500 soldiers and police have been killed by armed gangs, which they also blame for most of the civilian deaths.

Join us with Paddy O’Connell of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House to discuss the situation in Syria and what the future holds for the Syrian people.

First Wednesday: Iran’s Green Revolution and the Arab Spring

Two years after Iranians took to the streets to protest against the apparent rigging of the presidential elections we will be examining the impact of the Arab Spring. What has been the response of the government of Iran to the uprisings? Could they inspire further protests among the people? We will also be looking at the power struggle between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the conservative clerics and asking what it could mean for Iran’s future.