SEnergy-25 International Seminar on Sustainable Communication | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
The SEnergy-25 International Seminar, focusing on “Theoretical and Practical Perspectives of Sustainable Communication,” held at Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering & Technology, Peerumedu. The event was a platform for exploring sustainable communication as a multidimensional concept integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts have gathered to discuss critical challenges and advancements in sustainable development.
The session opened with an invited talk by Dr. Jolly Jose, an esteemed scholar and accomplished professional in communication and journalism. Dr. Jolly Jose is currently an Associate Professor at the Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, and a key member of their research committees. With over 28 years of experience in academia and industry, she has contributed significantly to new media, ICT and women, journalism, development communication, and media and culture.
Dr. Jolly Jose holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Journalism and has authored over 17 research papers, presenting at numerous national and international conferences. She has served as the Assistant Director of Research and was in charge at Xavier School of Communications. Her work with international NGOs, including Medical Mission Sisters and Christian Aid, has focused on community health and empowerment programs. Among her accolades, she was awarded the Best Researcher Award in 2021 and has authored the book Cyber Exploration of Children and the Reality, with a special focus on India.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Jolly Jose’s Address
Dr. Jose’s address emphasized the role of communication in sustainability, stressing the importance of articulating engineering advancements in a way that makes them accessible and applicable to broader audiences.
Defining Sustainability: She highlighted that sustainability was initially an ambiguous term, not well-defined by practitioners, ecologists, and engineers. This lack of clarity complicated communication and education about sustainability.
Communicating Sustainability: Dr. Jose pointed out that effective sustainability communication requires clarity, responsibility, and transparency. She emphasized the role of media in conveying power dynamics, infrastructure challenges, and vested interests that shape sustainability efforts. She also discussed the importance of marketing tools and behavior change strategies to promote sustainable consumption.
Challenges in Sustainable Communication: Dr. Jose addressed the misinformation surrounding sustainability, particularly in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. She pointed out that certain marketing strategies merely serve as eye-washing techniques rather than contributing to genuine sustainability efforts.
Media’s Role in Sustainability: She highlighted the necessity for media to communicate both challenges and solutions in sustainability, emphasizing the role of participatory communication strategies. She noted that the framing and focusing of narratives should be ethical, persuasive, and participatory to create real impact.
Corporate and Government Responsibility: Dr. Jose noted that while corporations are increasingly adopting CSR practices, their primary goal remains production and profit. She stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility. She also linked sustainability efforts to global initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Historical Context of Sustainability: Reflecting on past discussions from the 1990s, Dr. Jose recalled opposition to sustainability efforts, particularly in developing nations, where concerns were raised about Western countries having already exploited resources before advocating for conservation. She acknowledged the need for a balanced approach that accommodates development without excessive environmental degradation.
Sustainability as a Stewardship Concept:
The conference continued with engaging discussions and expert panels, fostering a collaborative effort to advance sustainable communication globally.
She concluded by underscoring the idea that sustainability entails a stewardship role; caring for resources responsibly for future generations. Since 2013, the concept has evolved to include economic growth, social justice, and environmental responsibility as core pillars.
