SIGNIS ASIA ASSEMBLY 2024: Innovating peace in the digital sphere

The SIGNIS ASIA Assembly 2024 gathered around 70 delegates from the Asia region to explore the theme “Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace.”

Melissa Fernando, SIGNIS Malaysia

The SIGNIS ASIA Assembly 2024 (SAA2024), hosted in Tokyo, Japan, from September 23 to 27, gathered around 70 delegates from 12 countries to explore “Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace.” Organized by SIGNIS ASIA and host country SIGNIS Japan, the event highlighted the intersection of faith, technology, and peace-building in the digital age.

Fr. Stanley Kozhichira, President, SIGNIS ASIA, and Itaru Tsuchiya, President, SIGNIS Japan, welcomed the delegates. Heart-felt video messages from Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect, Dicastery of Communication and Helen Osman, President, SIGNIS World, brought futher insight into the theme as the Assembly commenced.

Bishop Paul Toshihiro Sakai, the keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of truth in communication. “Communicate the truth,” he urged attendees. As the advisory bishop to SIGNIS Japan and head of communications for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Bishop Sakai’s address reflected on Japan’s role in promoting human values and solidarity through digital tools.

Echoing Pope Francis’s call for ethical regulations in artificial intelligence, Apostolic Nuncio Francisco Escalante Molina discussed the interconnectedness of human communication, the digital world, and the culture of peace. “To foster truly human communication, we must reflect from the heart, seizing the benevolent opportunities modern technology offers while avoiding its dangers,” Molina stated. “Human communication should awaken in us a deep sensitivity,” he added.

The assembly opened with a panel discussion led by Melissa Fernando, featuring voices from the perpectives of youth, women, and lay professionals. Panelists Naoki Nakanishi Fernandes, Makoto Yamada, Kazue Suzuki, and Ryu Suzuki shared their experiences on fostering peace in a digitally connected world.

Following this, Bishop Linus Seong-hyo Lee of Korea emphasized the role of journalists during a session on AI, stating, “The heart of information is people, not the shock and awe they bring to their leaders.”

Workshops on the use of AI for faith-based missions and creative approaches to communication enriched the second day. Mennen Aracid introduced AI technology applications and resources that make tasks and processes more effective for faith-based outreach. Fr. Arun D’Souza Prakash’s session on the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm—context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation—offered a valuable framework for integrating peace-building through communication.

A highlight of the assembly was the evening film screenings. The first film, ‘Water, Not Weapons – The Greening of Afghanistan’, depicted the work of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a Japanese physician who spent decades transforming desert regions of Afghanistan through water conservation. The second film, ‘The Face of the Faceless’, directed by Shaison P. Ouseph, narrated the story of Sr. Rani Maria, an Indian martyr, and her legacy of mercy, forgiveness, love and sacrifice.

The assembly concluded with the adoption of the SAA2024 Statement calling for the responsible use of digital media to foster dialogue, unity, and peace. Participants left with a shared commitment to engage future generations in peace-building efforts, guided by Pope Francis’s reminder that “true human communication must come from the heart, even in a world increasingly driven by AI.” The Closing Mass, a profound moment of reflection and unity, was celebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, at the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo.

SIGNIS ASIA, the regional branch of SIGNIS – the World Catholic Association for Communication, continues to empower communicators across the Asia-Pacific region to use media for positive social impact.

SIGNIS ASIA – www.signisasia.net

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Melissa Fernando is an award-winning media professional with over 25 years of experience in broadcast production. She currently serves as a Multiformat Journalist with Astro AWANI, Malaysia’s leading news channel. Curating stories and creating content across multimedia platforms, Melissa is also experienced in producing talk shows, documentaries, and fashion TV segments. She is a member of SIGNIS Malaysia.

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