1. Introduction The World Bank is pleased to offer a series of inter- regional distance learning seminars that will utilize the GDLN as an effective learning/discussion platform whereby institutions, governments, technical agencies, donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders around the world can regularly discuss topics that are of high priority when dealing with Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) preparedness. The seminars will provide for an exchange of knowledge, a review of progress in specific countries, and the sharing of experiences and good practices and lessons that have been learned. All information, supporting materials and resources that are developed for use in these seminars will be made available to the Bank and its partners for other applications and uses, as appropriate. It is intended that this series will better enable the Bank and its partners to strengthen their approach to knowledge and capacity building on AHI issues around the world. Webcast Live at http://vcg01.worldbank.org/vc/http://vcg01.worldbank.org/vc/ More information can be found at http://www.worldbank.org/avianfluSeminar This seminar follows on from a Risk Communications workshop that was held in Bangkok, Thailand by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. Participants included communications specialists and technical experts from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Information and Education, in addition to various government and donor organizations from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. The objective of the workshop was to assist in developing each country’s Pandemic Influenza Communications plans; and to establish a regional health communications network that would enable countries to rely upon their neighbors for the sharing of information and messages. This seminar will re-establish links among the original workshop participants and to hear experiences and updates on their latest communications strategies. In cooperation with the following GDLN affiliates: Seminar 2 Communications Planning A videoconference-based distance learning seminar organized by the U.S. Center for Disease Control, World Bank, UNICEF, WHO and Partners An Inter-Regional Knowledge Sharing Series on Avian and Human Influenza Global Development Learning Network Featuring: The communications offices (or their equivalent) from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Information and Education) from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam. Representatives from civil society, media, donor community, NGOs, government representatives and staff from the CDC, U.S. State Dept, IEC, World Bank, UN, WHO, FAO, UNICEF and EC will also be in attendance. Locations & Local Times Beijing, 2.00-5.00 PM Tianxiu Kang. Email: tkang1@worldbank.org Bangkok, 1.00-5.00 PM Achara Kuwinpant. Email: achara@mail.car.chula.ac.th Hanoi, 1:00-5:00 PM Linh Hoai Nguyen. Email: lnguyen@worldbank.orglnguyen@worldbank.org Jakarta, 1.00-5.00 PM Widijanto Nugroho. Email: wnugroho@cs.ui.ac.id Phnom Penh, 1.00-5.00 PM Saroeun Bou. Email: sbou@worldbank.orgsbou@worldbank.org Lao PDR, 1.00-5.00 PM Vieng Srithirath. Email: vsrithirath@worldbank.orgvsrithirath@worldbank.org Japan, 3.00-7.00PM Eiko Wataya. Email: ewataya@worldbank.org Atlanta GA, 2:00-6:00 AM Cathy Shoemaker. Email: cshoemak@email.unc.educshoemak@email.unc.edu Geneva, 8.00 AM-12.00 PM Henriette Mampuya. Email: hmampuya@worldbank.orghmampuya@worldbank.org Washington DC, 2:00-6:00 AM Bob McGough. Email: rmcgough@worldbank.org Registrants to provide the following information: Full name, title and organizational affiliation Email; telephone; mailing address Program Contacts Sonya Woo, Knowledge Coordinator, East Asia & Pacific Vice Presidency Email: swoo1@worldbank.org Robert McGough, Instructional Designer Email: rmcgough@worldbank.orgrmcgough@worldbank.org Tuesday, September 26 Chulalongkorn University, Thailand WB China Distance Learning Center Vietnam Development Information Center University of Indonesia Distance Learning Center WB Office Cambodia WB Office Lao PDR Tokyo Development Learning Center Atlanta CDC WB Office Geneva