Panos Network

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The Panos Network (originally called Panos Institute) is a network of independent non-governmental institutes working "to ensure that information is effectively used to foster public debate, pluralism and democracy" (see Communication for Development).

There are currently six member institutes: Panos Caribbean, Panos Europe, Panos West Africa, Panos Eastern Africa, Panos Southern Africa and Panos South Asia. The member institutes participate in a global network, through which they work on common themes. Jon Tinker also founded Panos Institutes in London, Paris, Washington, Budapest and Canada.

Globally and regionally, Panos Network works with media and other information actors to enable developing countries to shape and communicate their own development agendas through informed public debate. They particularly focus on amplifying the voices of poor and marginalised people.^[1]

The name Panos may have some connection with the ancient Greek word phanos (φανός), which means torch. Influences may also be found from the Nepali word panas, which is a lamp lit when people gather round to discuss important issues.