UCAP Congress 2025 set to discuss human values amidst technological advancements - Ghana Business News

In a significant event for African media professionals, the Union of Catholic African Professionals (UCAP) has announced its Congress and Conference. This gathering will take place in August 2025 in Accra, Ghana. It occurs every three years and will bring together journalists, communicators, and academics from across Africa. The focus will be on pressing issues at the intersection of technology and human values, especially regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI).

UCAP is an independent organization that promotes professionalism among African Catholic professionals in journalism and communication. Its members include journalists, researchers, and various media institutions. UCAP aims to uphold ethical standards and empower marginalized communities. They work to ensure that underrepresented voices are amplified in the media.

The theme for the 2025 Congress is “Balancing Technological Progress and Human Values in AI.” This theme highlights the need to address ethical implications of rapid technological advancements. As AI impacts sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and communication, discussions will explore how these innovations can align with fundamental human values.

Several subthemes will guide the discussions:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility: Participants will discuss how corporations can responsibly integrate AI while protecting human dignity.

2. Eco-Friendly Business Start-Ups: The focus here is on AI-driven initiatives that promote sustainable business practices.

3. Technology's Impact on Social Reality: This session examines how technology shapes public perceptions and narratives in digital media.

4. Ecological Education: Media's role in advocating for sustainable practices will be explored to combat resource exploitation.

5. Media Promotion of Synod Recommendations: Participants will discuss strategies for effective advocacy aligned with Synod teachings.

The Congress also aims to strengthen media professionals' skills through targeted training for 100 practitioners focused on AI technologies. Key objectives include:

- Providing essential knowledge about AI while emphasizing ethical reporting.
- Advocating for ethics in technological research.
- Running public awareness campaigns highlighting core human values.
- Evaluating challenges posed by AI to prepare media professionals effectively.

Expected outcomes from the UCAP Congress include actionable plans addressing technological risks while promoting integral human development. Participants aim to propose strategies for governments and civil society regarding AI's impact.

The Congress seeks to increase ongoing discourse about AI's implications on human values across media platforms. Developing frameworks for ecological education initiatives is also a priority.

To monitor progress after the Congress, UCAP plans to track member activities related to its outcomes. Member countries are encouraged to organize refresher programs focusing on technological impacts within their communities.

As the UCAP Congress 2025 approaches, it promises a vital platform for dialogue among African media professionals. Hosted by the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners-Ghana (CAMP-G), this event aims to foster ethical journalism that respects human values amid evolving technology.

By addressing these critical issues, UCAP seeks to empower its members and their communities through technology that enhances rather than diminishes the human experience.