“A special day”: ESCS professors and researchers inspired after the 1st UNESCO Chair Residency
More than 40 professors and researchers from different scientific areas at School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS-IPL) participated in the 1st Residency of UNESCO Chair in Communication, Media Literacy and Citizenship.
The meeting was held on January 28, 2025, at the library of Palácio Baldaya, in Benfica, and it was marked by several moments of reflection and exchange of ideas. It also included the participation of a special guest.
In a speech highly praised by participants, Nuno Artur Silva, writer, founder of Produções Fictícias and former secretary of state for Cinema, Audiovisual and Media between 2019 and 2022, shared his vision of the current information landscape, punctuating the conversation with historical and literary references.
Despite recognizing that currently the “world of entertainment” tends to prevail over factual information, the guest usually resists to adopt a catastrophic attitude and recalls that it is “fascinating” how open access to so much information allows more and more people to have experiences previously limited to an elite.
Reflecting and building ideas for the future
“Community spirit”, “curiosity” and “collaboration” were some of the reasons that led participants to sign up for this Residency of the UNESCO Chair in Communication, Media Literacy and Citizenship. Others said they were there “to get to know the project better”.
Professor Fernanda Bonacho, Chair holder, explained that the UNESCO Chair is a project that goes across the entire ESCS and IPL universe, and should be seen as a vote of confidence from UNESCO regarding the work that ESCS develops in the field of Communication, Media Literacy and Citizenship.
Organized in thematic groups, participants discussed some of the most pressing issues in the world of communication and information today, and possible responses were explored. Topics such as artificial intelligence and freedom of choice, but also of representation of diversity and environmental sustainability were addressed.
During the day, participants came up with almost 80 ideas for projects that can be developed within the new Applied Research Laboratory in Communication and Media (LIACOM) at ESCS. There was still time to think about academic and community synergies and ways to implement shared ideas.
“I really needed” a day like this, said one of the participants at the end. “Surprise,” “hope,” and “inspiration,” were the words used by other participants.
João Abreu, co-holder of the Chair, who was responsible for closing the meeting, echoed these reactions, stating that this was a “special day” and thanking everyone for their presence and dedication.
