The two-day international conference “ICAN-8,” organized by the DME Media School at Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME), concluded successfully. The conference, themed “Media for People and Planet: Communication and Innovation Towards Sustainable Development Goals 2030,” brought together academicians, researchers, media professionals, and students from India and across the world. Discussions focused on the role of media and strategic communication in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The conference was inaugurated at the Nelson Mandela Auditorium of DME. Radhe Shyam Rai, Managing Editor of Bharat Express News Network attended the conference as Special Guest and highlighted the evolving role of media in promoting inclusive development and building a sustainable future.
Bhanwar Singh, Director General of DME, in his address, he shared inspiring thoughts and set the tone for meaningful discussions during the conference. DME Director Prof. (Dr.) Komal Vig also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of academic dialogue for a sustainable future.
The inaugural plenary session featured Prof. (Dr.) Surbhi Dahiya from IIMC New Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) Kulveen Trehan from USMC, GGSIPU, senior journalist Shishir Sinha, and Prof. (Dr.) Ambrish Saxena from South Asian University. The speakers shared their perspectives on the relationship between media and sustainable development.
The conference was organized under the guidance of DME Vice Chairman Aman Sahni and Vice Chairperson Nishtha Sahni. The conference framework was prepared by Dr. Parul Mehra, Head of DME Media School and Convener of ICAN, along with Convener Dr. Yamini Khullar, Co-Conveners Dr. Divya Rastogi and Chetna Sharma played an important role in the successful execution of the conference.
ICAN-8 received more than 80 research papers from across the world, including participants from Sri Lanka, the United States, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and the United Kingdom. The first day concluded with a special session featuring international speakers including Prof. Jatin Srivastava, Dr. Ngozi Okpara, Dr. Annie F. McLennan, and Prof. (Dr.) Wajiha Raza Rizvi, among others.
On the second day, sessions were further enriched by the presence of Development Communication expert A. Rajiv Tikkhu from DME, Ajit Kumar Singh, AGM (Marketing) at IOTA Water, and Associate Professor Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh from Himachal Pradesh University. Four technical online sessions were conducted covering topics such as environmental communication, social justice, gender equality, and strategic media practices.
The conference concluded with a valedictory ceremony, where key achievements and outcomes were highlighted. The contributions of participants, organizers, and speakers were appreciated, and the importance of academic collaboration and the role of media in driving positive global change were emphasized.
ICAN-8 once again demonstrated DME Media School’s commitment to academic excellence, global dialogue, and meaningful initiatives on sustainable development issues. The conference not only served as a strong platform for knowledge sharing but also highlighted the transformative role of media in building a better and more equitable world.
