Good morning everyone.

Chair of today's Inauguration Program of the "Kathmandu Conference on Communication and Media 2024," Professor Dr. Kundan Aryal, Head of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication; Professor Dr. Kedar Prasad Rijal, Registrar of Tribhuvan University; Deans, Executive Directors, and Directors; distinguished guests, professors, faculty, esteemed scholars, media professionals, students, and participants – it is a pleasure to address you, albeit through this message.

I sincerely apologize for my absence today. An unavoidable commitment – an ongoing Senate meeting – prevents me from attending in person. However, I am deeply honoured to extend my warmest regards and best wishes for the resounding success of this important conference.

This two-day event, organized by the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (CDJMC) in collaboration with the Kathmandu-based Center for Media Research (CMR), Nepal, provides a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration on critical issues facing media and communication in Nepal and South Asia.

The conference's diverse themes, including combating misinformation in the age of AI, the relationship between media and the state, ensuring journalistic viability, and the future of media, are both timely and crucial. I am confident that the discussions will generate valuable insights that will inform both academic research and practical approaches to the challenges faced by the media and communication sectors today.

The participation of academics, practitioners, emerging scholars, and students highlights the collaborative and inclusive spirit of this gathering. By bridging theory and practice, this event will undoubtedly contribute significantly to advancing media education and practice in the region. The exploration of innovative topics, such as data-driven consumer behaviour analysis, cross-border misinformation, and the evolving media landscape in South Asia, aligns perfectly with Tribhuvan University's commitment to promoting academic excellence and addressing real-world challenges.

I express my sincere appreciation to the organizers, especially the CDJMC, a distinguished department within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, for their tireless efforts in convening this important conference. Your dedication to amplifying the scholarly contributions of Nepali and South Asian academics is commendable and paves the way for meaningful collaborations and impactful research.

As you embark on this journey of discourse and discovery, I extend my best wishes to all participants. May the insights and ideas generated over these two days foster transformative changes in the field of communication and media, benefiting not only Nepal but the entire South Asian region.

Again, I regret my absence but assure you of my full support. I am confident that this conference will be a remarkable success, and I look forward to learning about its outcomes.

Thank you, and I wish you a fruitful and enriching conference.

Warm regards,

Professor Dr. Keshar J. Baral

Vice Chancellor

Tribhuvan University