LAHORE — The 11th MCAP-BNU International Media Conference concluded at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore, bringing together academics, journalists, policymakers and media professionals from Pakistan and abroad to examine challenges facing contemporary media and communication.
Jointly organised by Media and Communication Academic Professionals (MCAP) and BNU, the two-day conference was held under the theme “Reclaiming Hope: Media, Activism & Social Justice.” Discussions centred on ethical journalism, inclusive narratives, digital transformation and the need for stronger regional media cooperation.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of BNU, alongside Javed Jabbar, Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Prof. Dr Bushra H. Rehman and Prof. Svetlana Bodrunova. In his remarks, Dr Yusuf highlighted the role of universities in promoting media literacy and critical engagement with information.
Sessions on journalism, technology and regional cooperation
Over two days, participants took part in plenary sessions, parallel academic panels and interactive forums covering media activism, social justice, digital inclusion and ethical challenges in modern journalism. Discussions also addressed the impact of emerging technologies on media practices.
A workshop titled “Chinese Art in the Digital Age” was among the specialised sessions, reflecting the conference’s emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange.
Speakers also explored regional media collaboration, particularly China-Pakistan engagement, academic exchanges and the role of media literacy in strengthening regional understanding.
Broad participation and recognition
The conference featured international scholars and national panellists, including Prof. Dr Nico Carpentier, Prof. Dr Jeffrey Wimmer, Prof. Dr Fatima Elzahra, Prof. Dr Jason Gainous, Mazhar Abbas, Talat Hussain, Fariha Idrees, Nasir Jamal, Salima Hashmi, Seemi Raheel, Muneeza Jahangir, Nadia Jamil and Usman Peerzada, among others.
A lifetime achievement honour was awarded to Javed Jabbar in recognition of his contributions to the media and communications sector.
In addition to academic discussions, the event included research presentations, career counselling and consultancy sessions, and technical workshops aimed at strengthening professional development and collaboration between scholars and practitioners.
Organisers said the conference concluded with renewed emphasis on media literacy as a key tool for informed citizenship and responsible communication in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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