Kathmandu, Nov. 11 : The 4th Trans-Himalaya Communication and Social Development Conference officially opened on November 8 at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, bringing together more than 100 experts, scholars, media professionals and young researchers from China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United States, Canada and other countries.

The conference is jointly organized by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the University of Dhaka, Kangba TV and Himalaya Television.

Held under the theme “International Communication and Regional Development Governance in the Trans-Himalaya Region in the Era of Digital Intelligence,” the conference aims to promote cross-border and interdisciplinary dialogue among countries connected by shared geography, history and cultural ties.

The opening ceremony featured Prof. Rashed Al Mahmad Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Finance and Planning, as the chief guest. Speakers highlighted two central themes throughout their addresses: communication and trust.

Participants observed that the rapid development of artificial intelligence, platform algorithms and cross-border information flows is reshaping the global media landscape while creating shared governance challenges for the region. These include transboundary climate risks, information bias and the growing spread of disinformation.

They emphasized that, in the digital age, reliable information, empathetic storytelling and inclusive communication platforms are increasingly essential to ensuring that ordinary citizens’ voices are heard without preconceived biases.

Continuing its cross-sectoral “academia + media” approach, the conference combines university-based research with media networks and practical case studies. Keynote speeches addressed a range of issues, including Gandhian humanistic thought and digital social transformation, building a regional digital community with a shared future, institutional responses to cross-border climate risks, and collaborative approaches to tackling disinformation in the age of artificial intelligence.

Six specialized sub-forums were also organized to discuss regional coordinated development, platform algorithms and information risks, youth participation and public expression, cross-border communication, media industry cooperation, and ethnic exchange and integration.

A dedicated Media Forum brought together representatives from media organizations in China, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to discuss the theme “Credibility, Trust and Media Responsibility in Building a Regional Community with a Shared Future.”

Participants highlighted the multi-year content co-production partnership between Kangba TV and Himalaya Television as a practical example of institutionalized media collaboration. The partnership demonstrates how local storytelling can enrich regional narratives while respecting cultural diversity.

“We are not looking for a standard answer, but for a way to ask questions together,” one participating scholar remarked.

Following previous editions held in China and Nepal, the conference’s arrival in Bangladesh reflects its ability to adapt to diverse social and linguistic contexts. Participants agreed that South Asian countries should take turns hosting future editions, with the aim of transforming the conference from an occasional gathering into a permanent regional dialogue platform.

Running until November 11, the conference programme also includes a media industry study tour in Bangladesh, a documentary showcase, the “Himalayan Charms” photo and video exhibition, and a “Humanistic China” themed book exhibition.