Rome, Italy - August 2024 - The topic of communication in relation to migrants and refugees returned for the third time in the "Shaping Tomorrow" in the last conference of this World Social Communication Conference, on the morning of Wednesday 7 August. This time the topic was explored in a new formula, with an introduction by the invited speaker, Donatella Parisi, and the first-hand testimony of Ducler, a refugee from Cameroon. Parisi, head of communication at the Vatican's Centre for Higher Education 'Laudato Si', emphasized the importance of getting to know migrants and refugees and 'listening to what they have to say, in order to be able to communicate well the themes of forced migration, climate change and social justice', three themes that are absolutely intertwined. He then gave the floor to Ducler, a teacher, political activist and social worker, persecuted in his country, one of the 117 million people, especially young people, forced to flee their homeland. He recounted the persecution he suffered in Cameroon, his flight through four countries and the difficult restart of his life in Italy, where he arrived on a barge and where, after facing loneliness, incomprehension and bureaucracy, he also encountered the solidarity of the 'Centro Astalli' (Jesuits), which allowed his progressive social integration. "Today my voice also wants to be that of many other young people who cannot find work or integration and who are not listened to".

Rome, Italy - August 2024 - As part of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Social Communication Conference, renowned branding expert Andy Stalman gave an inspiring talk on the importance of branding in today's world. During his talk, Stalman stressed how branding not only defines a brand identity, but also establishes an emotional connection with people. "To put off a good communication strategy is to waste an opportunity," he said. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to adapt to technological and cultural changes in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing market. The "Shaping Tomorrow" World Social Communication Conference, which ends today, has established itself among the various social communication representatives from Salesian provinces around the world as a key space for the exchange of ideas and the formation of new strategies.

Rome, Italy - 6 August 2024 - "Is the story that I want to tell is visually appealing? Can it give rise to debates? Can people be interested in it?": these are the three key questions for generating potentially viral digital content, according to Laura Wagner-Meyer, Head of Programmes at the South African media company "Seen TV", during her second talk at "Shaping Tomorrow", the World Social Communication Conference promoted by the Salesians of Don Bosco. During her talk, dedicated to "migrants and refugees in the context of communicating with young people through social media", she emphasized the need to use social media to go beyond the prejudices about migrants and refugees that traditional media often convey; and to do this effectively, she suggested combining the potential of mobile journalism and storytelling. Thanks to the filters and lenses of digital applications, as well as Augmented Reality or the services of Artificial Intelligence, it is possible to make viewers deeply empathize with what migrants and refugees are experiencing and thus arouse involvement, proximity and - ultimately - have a real impact, not only on a communicative but also on a social level.

(ANS – Rome) – August 6th, 2024 - The Shaping Tomorrow Communication Conference in Rome dedicated several sessions this morning on the rising influence of mobile journalism, showcasing the power of video storytelling through the lens of a smartphone.

(ANS – Rome) - At the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference, Laura Wagner-Meyer, Program Manager at Seen TV, shared her insights on effectively engaging Generation Z audiences. As a model, fashion designer, and advocate for the differently-abled, Wagner-Meyer's personal journey has informed Seen TV's mission to amplify underrepresented voices and foster greater empathy.

Rome, Italy - 4 August 2024 - It was a day of cultural immersion for the participants of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference as they embarked on an exhilarating exploration of the rich history and vibrant religious sites of Rome. The day began with a visit to St. Peter's Square, where the group witnessed the profound experience of receiving the Angelus blessing from Pope Francis himself during the Sunday Angelus at the Vatican. Seeing the Pope appear at the window was a deeply moving moment for everyone. The group then embarked on a guided tour of Rome's iconic landmarks, including the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, and the lively Piazza Navona. More than just a sightseeing excursion, this outing was a day filled with fun, joy, and meaningful interactions. As the participants marveled at the architectural wonders and absorbed the historical significance of each site, they were not merely observing – they were actively engaging with the city's rich cultural heritage. The day fostered a sense of learning, cultural exchange, and a strong community among the conference attendees, making it a truly memorable part of the media event. This Roman adventure was not just a day of sightseeing, but a deeply enriching experience that allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty and captivating history of the Eternal City. The memories of this journey will undoubtedly linger, serving as a testament to the power of cultural exploration and the value of shared experiences.