‘Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace’
Inspired by the message of Pope Francis on World Communication Day, around 70 delegates from 12 countries of SIGNIS Asia, which is part of the World Catholic Association for Communication gathered at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (NYC), Tokyo from 23-27 September 2024. The SIGNIS Asia delegates discussed and deliberated on the theme “Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace.”
With the insights and awareness gained through sharing and discussions, we resolve to be more responsible, ethical and careful in handling digital media while using their full potential in creating a culture of peace.
We resolve to bring the profound impact of digital communication in shaping a world of harmony and understanding through discussions and actions, collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations, and contributing to the collective vision of fostering peace through the power of human connection in the digital age.
We realise that digital media can also expose people to the risk of addiction, isolation and a gradual loss of contact with concrete reality, blocking the development of authentic interpersonal relationship. This calls for an action to focus more on human communication to increase closeness among people, building communities with peace.
The digital revolution is radically changing our lives, bringing new opportunities and challenges to advance human freedom. In today’s world, human communication has been profoundly enriched by the advent of digital technology which calls for us to change with changing times.
We understand the fact that human communication awakens in each of us a deep sensitivity, where the joys and sufferings of others become our own, as we are united in one body and share the same global village. It must combat what Pope Francis terms “the globalization of indifference” and foster ‘fraternal responsibility’.
We realize that through our expertise, skill, and dedication, we need to help today’s and tomorrow’s world to harness the incredible potential of the digital age, contributing to the establishment of God’s kingdom and His justice on this earth with the wisdom of the heart.
Pope Francis exhorts us to cultivate wisdom in ourselves, starting from the heart, to achieve fully human communication in the age of AI. He reminds us that wisdom, which adds ’flavour’ to life, and matures “when we use our time wisely and embrace our vulnerability”.
We understand the need to integrate new technologies into our spiritual, educational, and social lives without losing the core of what makes us human: our ability to connect deeply, emotionally, and spiritually with one another fosterng peace in the world. We also recognise the urgency to work with young people in the peace-building process.