Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University is set to host the third Egypt Regional Hub of the International Communication Association (EGICA3) forum on June 7-8, 2026. The two-day event will be held under the high auspices of Prof. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University, and Prof. Mahmoud Al-Saeed, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research Affairs. The forum will be headed by Prof. Wessam Nasr, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication.

Forum Theme: A Call for Inclusivity and Empowerment
The central theme for this year`s forum is "Representations of Woman, Child, & People of Determination in Arab Media." The theme aligns directly with the ICA 2026 conference topic, "Communication and Inequalities in Context."

According to the forum introduction, EGICA3 will provide an academic inquiry into how local socio-cultural structures intersect with global technological shifts to shape collective perceptions of vulnerable and marginalized groups in the Arab world. A key objective is to evaluate the capacity of Arab media systems to move beyond historical marginalization and provide equitable, inclusive representation, aiming for a media discourse that ensures empowerment and integration for all society segments.

Academic Inquiry and Discussion Tracks
The EGICA3 forum structure is organized into four distinct academic tracks, offering a comprehensive look at the representations and realities for women, children, and people with determination in contemporary Arab media.

Track 1: Women in Arab Media
Chaired under the theme "(Empowerment vs. Stereotyping)," this track will include studies on:

The semiological and critical perspectives of women in Arab drama and cinema.
Media coverage of violence against women in digital press and social media.
Success stories and challenges regarding the role of media in enhancing women’s political and economic empowerment.
The discourse in Arab advertising, examining the line between physical objectification and the promotion of role models.
Track 2: Children and Media in the Digital Age
Focusing on "(Identity and Protection)," this track will cover:

The ethics of media coverage, addressing privacy, dignity, and digital rights.
The rise of "Kidfluencers" and their impact on identity and values in Arab societies.
Local versus imported content and its effect on children’s representations in Arab entertainment and animation.
Media`s role in addressing cyberbullying and digital space risks to protect children.
Track 3: People of Determination
Themed "(From Marginalization to Full Inclusion)," discussions will focus on:

Analyzing media discourse to facilitate a shift from a "Charity Model" to a "Rights-Based Model" on disability.
Evaluating the digital accessibility and inclusivity of Arab media platforms.
Comparing reality with aspirations regarding the representation of people of determination in Arab drama.
Alternative media and social platforms as spaces for self-expression.
Track 4: Technological and Legislative Intersections
This general issues track will tackle critical contemporary challenges, including:

How AI applications and "Marginalization Algorithms" affect the representation of vulnerable groups.
Reviewing Arab media policies and codes of ethics regarding women, children, and people with disabilities.
Bridging interdisciplinary gaps and moving toward "De-Westernized" theoretical frameworks for regional studies.
Case studies highlighting best practices in producing "Inclusive Content" within Arab media institutions.
Expert Discussion Panels

The forum will also feature three high-level discussion panels:

Arab Media Policies and the Shift Toward a Rights-Based and Inclusive Model
Media Representations Between Stereotyping and Empowerment: Toward a More Just and Inclusive Arab Discourse
Algorithms of Exclusion and Empowerment: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Representing Social Groups in Digital Media
Call for Research Submissions
Scholars are invited to submit scientific research papers, posters, and working papers to the forum.