Kenya is this July set to host a communications conference bringing together renowned scholars from around the globe with the theme “Sino-African communications in a global setting: Breaking the ice.”
The conference is being organized by the Communication University of China and Daystar University with the destination event management company, EAiEC Ltd overseeing the logistical arrangements.
Already, over 20 communications experts and scholars from China , Australia , UK , US , Canada , South Africa , Uganda , Tanzania and Sudan have confirmed attendance for the conference slated for July 23 to 25 at Safari Park Hotel.
Participants will be drawn from universities, research organizations and think tanks, the ICT sector and Chinese and African media organizations while an exhibition showcasing new media platforms and their impact on media will be held alongside the conference.
Dr Levi Obonyo of Daystar University who is also the Chairman of the Media Council of Kenya said the event seeks to demystify China-Africa dynamics in the past, present and future.
“With increased economic and trade engagements between China and Africa, it’s only natural that communication scholars meet to discuss implications for our two regions from the communication perspective”, said Dr Obonyo.
Prof Luo Qing from Communication University of China says the conference will provide an opportunity for media stakeholders from all over the world to exchange views on China’s increasing presence in the communication sector.
The issues for discussion will cut across media systems, ICTs and media, cultural industries, film and the arts and the impact of globalization among other topics. Among the world class scholars who have confirmed participation are Prof Hu Zhengrong from Communication University of China, political economy of communications expert Prof Yuezhi Zhao from Simon Fraser University in Canada and soft power and public diplomacy scholar who is also the chief-editor of the influential International Communications Journal Prof Naren Chitty from Macquarie University in Australia have confirmed attendance. Others are Prof Winston Mano from UK ’s Westminster University and UoN’s Dr Wambui Kiai.
Kenya ’s Ministry of Information and Communication permanent secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo will deliver a key note address alongside Chinese diplomatic and government representatives. The conference comes at a time when China is increasing its presence in the African media landscape.
The conference will also be held shortly after the conclusion of the fifth summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in Beijing in mid July.
Be the first to comment