Welcome from the Local Organising Committee

The Local Organising Committee (LOC), comprising the School of Communications and Arts at the University of São Paulo (ECA-USP) and partner institutions, has the honour and pleasure of welcoming and inviting the global academic community to the 70th Congress of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). Hosting this gathering at USP celebrates the historic milestone of the association's 70th anniversary and marks the long-awaited return of the conference to Latin America after a decade.

Under the theme "Multilateralism, Democracy, Diversity: Communication for a More Just World," we propose a critical and urgent reflection on three interconnected global crises of our time: the strain on international governance, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the deepening of social fragmentation. Amid the spread of disinformation, extreme polarisation, and geopolitical pressures, we invite the international community to closely examine asymmetries in data governance, the struggle against algorithmic colonialism, and pathways to ensure meaningful digital sovereignty.

Holding the conference in São Paulo reflects a fundamental commitment to decentralising knowledge production, expanding dialogue among researchers across all five continents, and placing South-South and South-North dynamics at the centre of discussions in contrast to traditional epistemological hegemonies. By placing critical perspectives from the Global South at the heart of the debates, we aim to build research bridges and lasting collaborative networks dedicated to social justice and equity.

This emphasis on social justice informs every dimension of the event—from panel curation, spatial design, and cultural programming to infrastructural planning. Our vision is to shape a conference grounded in a true sense of collectivity, actively engaging students at every stage and partnering with local solidarity economy initiatives.

Our organising team looks forward to delivering an enriching and transformative experience defined by academic excellence and generous Brazilian hospitality. We await you in July 2027 to celebrate IAMCR’s history together and to reaffirm communication as an indispensable instrument in imagining a more democratic, sustainable, and plural world.

Cláudia Lago, Eneus Trindade e Maria Cristina Mungioli, in the name of the LOC.