Florida State University (FSU) is hosting the 11th annual South Asian Media and Cultural Studies (SAMCS) conference Thursday, Jan. 30, through Friday, Jan. 31, at the College of Communication and Information. This year's theme is 'Celebrating Voices', encompassing themes that tease the intersection of communication and innovation in empowering communities, amplifying underrepresented voices, and giving voice to indigenous narratives in South Asia and beyond.
The two-day event promises a rich blend of intellectual discourse, with two keynote speakers addressing pivotal global issues. The conference will take place in collaboration with the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy's Ruth K. and Shepard Broad International Lecture Series and the Center for Global Engagement's Engage Your World Speaker Series.
Director of Outreach in the United Nations Department of Global Communications Maher Nasser will speak at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 30, in The Globe Auditorium (110 S. Woodward Ave.) for the opening keynote address, 'The Power of Voice as a Tool for Change'. A pre-lecture reception is scheduled for 5 p.m. The lecture also will be livestreamed. With more than 35 years of experience at the United Nations, Nasser has taken on various top-level positions during his tenure there, including Acting Undersecretary-General for Global Communications and Commissioner-General for the UN at Expo 2020 in Dubai. His current engagement includes a pivotal role in the UN's presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Nasser's extensive career in human rights, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) earned him an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University in 2022.
The second keynote, 'Unlocking South Asia's Potential: Diplomacy, Development, and Diversity', will be delivered by Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), on Friday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. ET at The Globe Auditorium. The talk will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Aamer leads policy work related to South Asia at ASPI, focusing on key issues such as water, energy, climate action, and sustainable development. Her expertise includes organizing Track II dialogues to foster inter-regional cooperation, particularly across South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. His previous experience as a research analyst for the Stimson Center represents critical analysis of global issues of peace and security.
Besides the keynote addresses, the conference will host various panel discussions about the digital transformation of South Asian media to cultural data and digital knowledge. The topics that will be covered include digital media for an inclusive and sustainable South Asia, the changing culture arising from technological shifts, and the ways data is reconfiguring the media. Representations will come from all over the world to discuss the most important questions on the future of media and culture in the subcontinent.
It will be held on both days from 7 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. ET and will have live panels available through the SAMCS YouTube channel. On Friday, Jan. 31, there will be a networking session from 9 to 9:55 a.m. so participants can interact with other researchers, practitioners, and academics. It will be concluded with a free lunch in the cafeteria of the Center for Global Engagement and end with the closing keynote address.
The SAMCS conference has established itself as a key platform for global researchers, academicians, and media professionals contributing to advancements in South Asian media and cultural studies. This year’s theme, 'Celebrating Voices', aims to foster collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and community experts to chart the future of media, cultural research, and practices in South Asia. The conference emphasizes the importance of representation and empowerment in shaping the future of South Asian media by promoting inclusive dialogues and showcasing diverse voices.
