The 5th International Conference in Communication Media Studies organized by the Centre of Research and Communication for Peace with the theme “Think Peace, Talk Peace, Cultivate Peace,” was convened successfully between November 8th and 9th, 2018.
The conference, which was held at the Rauf Raif Denktash Centre, took a multidisciplinary approach as academics from different countries and institutions attended. The conference commenced with a welcome address by the Vice Dean for the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies at EMU, who is also the President of Centre of Research and Communication for Peace, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy, who acknowledged the efforts of faculty members in ensuring the success of the conference. Dr. Ersoy further expressed gratitude to the participants who came from around the world to attend, stating that two prominent scholars; Prof. Dr. Nico Carpentier from Uppsala University and Prof. Dr. Stuart Allan from Cardiff University, are in attendance to serve as keynote speakers.
In his opening remarks, EMU Rector, Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, reiterated confidence that the brainstorming to be engaged by participants at the conference would yield positive results towards attaining sustainable peace, not only in relation to the Cyprus issue, but also to the world at large. While concluding his speech, the Rector however, wished all participants fruitful deliberations.
The first day of sessions was marked by a presentation from Prof. Dr. Nico Carpentier, titled “Community media, participation and agonism: A natural alliance?” This was followed by a syndicate of presentations in the English and Turkish languages by other participants on topics including ‘peace communication,’ ‘political communication,’ ‘crisis management’ and ‘refugee and minority rights’.
Following the first day of presentations, participants were able to come together and enjoy a cocktail party in the evening. This small celebration saw many reflect on the subjects raised during the day, providing much source for conversation for all those in attendance. The second day commenced with a lead presentation by Prof. Dr. Stuart Allan on ‘Peace Photography’ and parallel sessions on subjects such as ‘Iran cinema,’ ‘digital democracy,’ ‘new media and peace,’ and ‘citizen journalism and fake news’.
The conference was well attended by EMU academic staff and students, among the other 60 attendees who came from 12 different countries and delivered presentations in concurrent sessions. Ultimately it can be said that over 2-day period of the conference, all in attendance most definitely thought of peace, spoke of peace, and were thoroughly educated in cultivating peace, which of course are importance steps towards such an ideal.
Ahmad Muhammad Auwal
