SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2024 explores digital communication for peace

Oct 12, 2024

By Melissa Fernando
The SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2024 (SAA2024), held from September 23 to 27, brought together 70 delegates from 12 countries to address the theme “Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace.” The assembly, organised by SIGNIS Asia and SIGNIS Japan, explored the intersections of faith, technology, and peace-building in the digital age.

The event was inaugurated by Fr Stanley Kozhichira, President of SIGNIS Asia, and Itaru Tsuchiya, President of SIGNIS Japan. Video messages from Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, and Helen Osman, President of SIGNIS World, added further depth to the assembly’s theme.

Bishop Paul Toshihiro Sakai, the keynote speaker, stressed the importance of truth in the digital world. “Communicate the truth,” he urged the delegates.

As the advisory bishop to SIGNIS Japan and head of communications for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Bishop Sakai emphasised Japan’s role in promoting human values and solidarity through digital communication tools.

Apostolic Nuncio Francisco Escalante Molina echoed Pope Francis’ call for ethical considerations in artificial intelligence (AI). He spoke about the interconnectedness of human communication and digital platforms in fostering peace, stating, “To foster truly human communication, we must reflect from the heart and harness technology’s opportunities while avoiding its dangers.”

The assembly’s first panel discussion, led by Melissa Fernando, featured perspectives from youth, women, and lay professionals on the role of digital communication in peace-building. Panelists Naoki Nakanishi Fernandes, Makoto Yamada, Kazue Suzuki, and Ryu Suzuki shared their experiences of fostering peace in a digitally connected world.

Bishop Linus Seong-hyo Lee of Korea emphasised the role of journalists in shaping communication during a session on AI. He noted that, “The heart of information is people, not the shock and awe they bring to their leaders,” highlighting the importance of people-centred communication in the AI-driven world.

Workshops on AI for faith-based missions and innovative communication approaches were held on the second day of the assembly.

Mennen Aracid introduced various AI technologies and resources designed to enhance the efficiency of faith-based outreach.

Fr Arun D’Souza Prakash’s session on the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm — context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation — offered participants a practical framework for integrating peace-building into communication strategies.

A key highlight of the assembly was the evening film screenings. The first film, Water, Not Weapons – The Greening of Afghanistan, told the story of Dr Tetsu Nakamura, a Japanese physician who dedicated his life to transforming Afghanistan’s desert regions through water conservation.

The second film, The Face of the Faceless, directed by Shaison P. Ouseph, narrated the inspiring story of Sr Rani Maria, an Indian martyr whose legacy of mercy, forgiveness, love, and sacrifice continues to inspire.

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