The 4th Trans-Himalaya Communication and Social Development Conference began at the University of Dhaka on Sunday, bringing together more than 100 academics, researchers, media professionals and young scholars from across Asia and beyond to explore regional cooperation in the era of digital intelligence.
The four-day conference, running until November 11, is jointly organised by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the University of Dhaka, Kangba TV and Himalaya Television.
Participants from China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United States and Canada are taking part in the event themed "International Communication and Regional Development Governance in the Trans-Himalaya Region in the Era of Digital Intelligence".
Discussions are focusing on cross-border communication, regional development, climate risks, artificial intelligence, misinformation and the role of media in building public trust.
Speakers at the opening ceremony highlighted communication and trust as key to strengthening regional ties, stressing the need for reliable information, inclusive narratives and platforms that encourage dialogue across national and cultural boundaries.
The conference follows an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together academic research and media experience. Keynote sessions are examining issues ranging from Gandhian humanist thought and digital social transformation to regional cooperation on climate risks and combating misinformation in the age of artificial intelligence.
Six sub-forums are being held on regional coordinated development, platform algorithms and information risks, youth and public expression, cross-border communication, media industry cooperation, and ethnic exchange and integration.
A dedicated media forum is also bringing together representatives from media organisations in China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and other countries to discuss media credibility, public trust and professional responsibility in building a regional community.
Organisers highlighted joint programme production between Kangba TV and Himalaya Television as an example of regional media collaboration, saying such initiatives could help strengthen cross-border storytelling and promote diverse regional perspectives.
Having previously been held in China and Nepal, the conference's latest edition in Bangladesh is expected to lay the groundwork for a more regular regional dialogue mechanism, with participating countries potentially taking turns hosting future editions.
Alongside the discussions, the organisers have arranged a media industry study tour in Bangladesh, a "Himalayan Charms" photo and video exhibition, a "Humanistic China" book exhibition and a documentary showcase.
