Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME) successfully concluded the 8th International Conference ICAN, a two-day global academic event centred on the theme “Media for People and Planet: Communication and Innovation towards Sustainable Development Goals 2030.” The conference brought together academicians, researchers, media professionals, and students from across India and abroad to deliberate on the critical role of media and strategic communication in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The conference commenced on April 16 with an inaugural session held at the Nelson Mandela Auditorium, DME, graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bhanwar Singh, Director General, DME, whose address set an inspiring tone for the event. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Radhe Shyam Rai, Managing Editor, Bharat Express News Network, Chief Guest in Inaugural Plenary, whose insightful remarks highlighted the evolving role of media in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. Prof. (Dr.) Komal Vig, Director, DME, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of academic dialogue in shaping a sustainable future.
The inaugural plenary session featured eminent speakers including Prof. (Dr.) Surbhi Dahiya, from IIMC New Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) Kulveen Trehan, IP University, Mr. Shishir Sinha, senior Journalist and Prof. (Dr.) Ambrish Saxena, South Asian University who shared valuable perspectives on the intersection of media and sustainability.
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The conference, organised under the support of Hon’ble Vice Chairman, Mr. Aman Sahni, and Vice Chairwoman, Ms. Nishtha Sahni was thoughtfully designed by Dr. Parul Mehra, Head of DME Media School and Convenor, ICAN, along with Dr. Yamini Khullar, Convenor, ICAN. Co-Convenors Dr. Divya Rastogi and Ms. Chetna Sharma played a significant role in organising and executing the sessions.
ICAN 8 received over 80 research papers from across the globe, with participation from countries including Sri Lanka, the United States, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and the United Kingdom. Day 1 concluded with a plenary session featuring distinguished international speakers such as Prof. Jatin Srivastava, Dr. Ngozi Okpara, Dr. Anne F. MacLennan, and Prof. (Dr.) Wajiha Raza Rizvi, among others.
Day 2 of the conference further enriched the academic experience with the presence of esteemed guests including Mr. A. Rajiv Tickoo, Development Communication Expert, DME; Mr. Ajit Kumar Singh, AGM-Marketing, IOTA Water; and Dr. Kanwaljit Singh, Associate Professor, Himachal Pradesh University. Their insights contributed meaningfully to discussions on communication strategies for sustainable development.
A major highlight of the second day was the successful conduct of four technical online sessions, where researchers and academicians presented their papers across diverse themes such as environmental communication, social justice, gender equality, and strategic media practices. These sessions facilitated dynamic knowledge exchange and highlighted innovative research contributions.
The conference concluded with a valedictory ceremony, marking the successful culmination of ICAN 8. The ceremony reflected upon the key discussions and outcomes of the conference, celebrating the contributions of participants, organizers, and speakers. It underscored the importance of continued academic collaboration and the role of media in driving positive global change.
ICAN 8 stands as a testament to DME’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, global dialogue, and meaningful engagement on issues of sustainability. The conference not only provided a platform for scholarly exchange but also reinforced the transformative potential of media in shaping a better and more equitable world.
