Javed Akhtar nominated for CISAC Vice-Presidency

CISAC, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that works for increased recognition and protection of the rights of creators.  The Board of Directors of CISAC have unanimously recommended  French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre and Indian scriptwriter, poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar as their candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of CISAC. These recommendations have been made by the Board of Directors to the General Assembly which is scheduled to meet in Washington on June 6. This is the first time that the Board of Directors have recommended candidates to the General Assembly.

Javed Akhtar, was chosen as a candidate for the Vice-Presidency as a recognition of his exceptional efforts with respect to the passing of the Copyright Amendments and his "infatigible advocacy of creator rights". If confirmed by the General Assembly, Mr. Akhtar will not only be the first person from Asia to be elevated to the post of Vice-President of CISAC but will also be a representative of the interests of three million creators spread over 121 countries. As Vice-President of CISAC, Mr. Akhtar would be expected to mobilize and lobby for the rights of creators with various governments as well as in the international fora.

Mr. Akhtar is also one of the speakers at the World Creators' Summit which is scheduled from June 4-5 in Washington. The World Creators' Summit, organised by CISAC,  is the leading international forum for discussion and debates on the future of copyright, role of creators, value of creative works and collective management of authors' rights. At the Summit, Mr, Akhtar will be participating in a high level panel discussion on "What Public Policies for Arts" with other eminent panelists such as Susana Baca [Singer and Songwriter, former Minister of Culture (Peru)], Ana de Hollanda, [Singer and Songwriter, former Minister of Culture (Brazil)],Maka Kotto, [Author, Actor and Stage Director / Minister of Culture and Communications, Quebec (Canada)] and Congressman Jerold Nadler, [United States House of Representatives (USA)].