The 2024 International Communication Association (ICA) Conference was a global event that saw nine Regional Hubs organized to coincide with the main conference held in Gold Coast, Australia. These hubs facilitated discussions on critical communication issues and human rights, drawing participation from scholars, professionals, and students worldwide. The Regional Hubs were located in Beijing(China), Cairo (Egypt), Calabar (Nigeria), Jakarta/Bandung (Indonesia), Kaduna(Nigeria), Lahore (Pakistan), Manipal (India), Medan (Indonesia), and Nairobi(Kenya).
Calabar, Nigeria
The Calabar hub, spearheaded by organizers from the University of Port Harcourt and University of Cross River State, featured an array of sessions on communicative strategies and human rights. With a total attendance of 120 and an average of 80 attendees per day, the Hub hosted local paper submissions, including a notable session on the impact of critics on female farmers' rights in Rivers State. Keynote speakers, such as Dr. Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, and Mr. Obo Effanga, contributed to discussions on communication and human rights in Nigeria. Joint sessions with the Jakarta Regional Hub focused on art, storytelling, and visual communication in human rights campaigns. The program also included tours of the Slave History Museum and Tinapa Resort, enriching the participants' experience. Live streaming of the ICA24 sessions, such as the opening plenary on communication and human rights and discussions on technology's role in community building, were a highlight.
Jakarta/Bandung, Indonesia
Organized by multiple universities, including Atma Jaya University and Universitas Padjadjaran, the Jakarta/Bandung hub attracted 138 attendees. Held in an auditorium designed for large events, the two-day hub featured contributions by Prof. Noshir Contractor and Prof. Claes de Vreese, focusing on AI's role in human rights and political discourse. Panels on mental health communication, political activities, and documentary filmmaking as a medium for human rights were also presented. Hybrid live-streamed sessions allowed for real-time participation with the main ICA conference in Gold Coast, discussing topics like health misinformation, digital activism, and disinformation. The event concluded with a discussion on future collaborations and the closing session featuring leadership of the ICA Indonesia chapter.
Medan, Indonesia
The Medan hub, hosted at the Universitas Sumatera Utara, saw 230 attendees, including 44 remote participants. The event featured seven guest speakers, such as Dr. Usman Kansong and Prof. Saba Bebawi, who presented on topics ranging from community radio to global journalism practices. Panels on media literacy and gender empowerment were significant components. The Hub live-streamed sessions from the main ICA conference in Gold Coast, including discussions on disability rights and social media journalism. A collaborative panel with the Cairo, Egypt hub on empowering women and youth highlighted the event. Media coverage by platforms like RRI and DAAI TV ensured wide visibility.
Beijing, China
Held at Renmin University of China, the Beijing hub focused on "Intelligence, Progress, and Controversy," examining AI's transformative impacts. Over 80 participants from more than 40 institutions attended. Keynotes by emerging Chinese scholars explored AI's role in brand communication, journalism, and ethical implications. The event included a roundtable discussion and a workshop-style session beneficial for graduate students. These sessions comprehensively examined AI's societal impacts and ethical considerations, fostering a robust academic dialogue.
Kaduna, Nigeria
The Kaduna hub, organized by the Air Force Institute of Technology, attracted 67 attendees. The event featured research paper presentations, guest talks on communication and conflict, and group discussions based on attendees' areas of interest. Highlights included live-streaming of the ICA24 opening plenary and joint panels with the Calabar (Nigeria) hub. Promotional activities within the region aimed to increase ICA's visibility and engagement. Media coverage by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in English and Hausa added to the Hub's success.
Lahore, Pakistan
Organized by Forman Christian College, the Lahore hub hosted 68 attendees, including three virtual participants. The event featured a panel discussion on publishing, presentations on funding research and communication rights, and a keynote by Dr. Amjad Saqib on global human rights. Other notable presentations included topics on media technologies, peaceful life communication, and behavior change interventions. News coverage by Lahore Rang and Talon News TV and features in Urdu and English newspapers highlighted the event's significance. Participation from national and international scholars enhanced the academic rigor and networking opportunities.
Manipal, India
The Manipal hub, organized by the Manipal Institute of Communication, saw daily attendance of 60 participants over five days. The event included a theatrical performance on gender rights, a poster competition on human rights, and various panels featuring speakers from South Asia. Keynotes by Prof. Bushra Abeda Rahman and others focused on media systems, peace, and security in South Asia. The hub also streamed sessions from ICA Nigeria on development communication, facilitating cross-regional academic exchange.
Nairobi, Kenya
Daystar University hosted the Nairobi hub with 212 in-person and 39 online attendees. The program included live presentations, panel discussions, and paper sessions on topics such as media ethics, human rights, and mental health. Collaboration with universities like Aga Khan University and Laikipia University enriched the event. Keynote speakers, including Prof. Faith Nguru and Dr. Caroline Ayuya Mwaka, addressed global and local communication issues. Media coverage and extensive networking opportunities were key highlights.
Cairo, Egypt
The Cairo hub at Cairo University, organized by the Faculty of Mass Communication, saw daily attendance of over 250 individuals. The two-day event included scientific sessions on digital marketing, media literacy, and sustainable development. Panels on neuromarketing and creative advertising in the AI age were also featured. The hub facilitated a virtual session with speakers, from the main ICA conference in Gold Coast. Live streaming on the Faculty's official page and extensive promotional activities ensured high engagement and visibility.
These Regional Hubs exemplified the ICA conference's global reach and impact, fostering rich academic discussions and collaborations on communication and human rights. Each Hub's unique contributions and engagement strategies highlighted the diversity and interconnectedness of the global ICA community.
Calabar, Nigeria
Kaduna, Nigeria
Medan, Indonesia
Lahore, Pakistan (above)
Manipal, India (2 above)
Nairobi, Kenya