The Meridian Society/BBCN will be hosting a talk on Wednesday 28th October, 2009 in association with the CSSA of The School of Oriental and African Studies. The lecture will be delivered by Stephen Hallett.

Over the past 30 years power and decision-making structures in China have become increasingly diverse and complex. The Communist Party no longer wields absolute authority and must now consider a multitude of concerns and interests. Yet faced with a largely unreformed political system, civil society in China still has to tread carefully, seeking subtle and creative ways to express its concerns. In this talk Stephen will describe how a group of disabled people are challenging the status quo and developing innovative solutions to problems facing their society.

Stephen was born in Dar-es-Salaam, grew up in Oxford and Cape Town and has spent much of his adult life in China where, since 1980, he has taught, made TV documentaries and became increasingly involved in civil society initiatives. From 2005-8 he worked as the BBC World Service Trust’s China Country Director, developing (amongst other things) a scheme to create a radio training and production centre for visually impaired people. Since 1999 he has chaired a UK-based charity, China Vision, which is currently supporting projects run for and by disabled people in China. He believes that disability offers an important insight into the challenges facing civil society in China today.

Time and Venue
Date: Wednesday 28th October, 2009
Time: 7pm-9pm
Venue: G3, SOAS Main Building, SOAS, University of London
Location: Russell Square, Thornhaugh Street, London WC1H 0XG
Transport: The nearest tube stations are Russell Square and Goodge Street.

Tickets are not required, but you are urged to RSVP to reserve a seat. Tel: 07973796866 or Email: themeridiansociety@gmail.com. The Meridian Society/SACU Members free Non-members £3 donation Note: This talk will be conducted in English