NJPN Annual Conference Registration Now Open

National Justice and Peace Network Conference to Focus on Communication in Era of Misinformation

The National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) has announced its 48th Annual Conference, themed “JUST TALK,” will take place from July 24-26 at The Hayes in Swanwick, Derbyshire. This year’s gathering aims to address the challenges of genuine communication in an age dominated by disinformation and divisive rhetoric.

“In a world of disinformation, sound bites and echo chambers, the conference will explore how we promote genuine communication and encounter through areas such as the media, arts, education, diplomacy and political engagement led always by the Spirit of Truth,” the organizers explained in their announcement.

The conference comes at a critical time when the ability to discern truth from falsehood has become increasingly difficult amid rapidly evolving information technologies and polarized public discourse. Organizers hope to equip participants to “challenge disinformation and divisive rhetoric, change narratives, foster dialogue and encounter, and speak truth to power.”

While the keynote speaker remains unnamed for now, organizers have described them as “a major voice shaping national conversations.” The conference will feature several workshops addressing different aspects of communication and dialogue.

Brian O’Toole will lead a session on “The Information-Misinformation-Disinformation Triangle,” creating a space for participants to explore how false information spreads online and influences public understanding. The workshop will examine real-world examples and investigate the role of algorithms and artificial intelligence in shaping digital content consumption.

Azad Hasan, Project Coordinator at the Justice and Peace Refugee Project in Newcastle and a PhD candidate at Durham University, will present “Resilience and Dialogue in Conflict Zones.” Drawing on his extensive experience in humanitarian roles within refugee camps and as a freelance journalist in conflict regions, Hasan will share insights on authentic dialogue in challenging environments.

Addressing inclusivity in religious communities, the Catholic Deaf Association will offer a workshop on “Deaf Awareness” led by Peter McDonagh and Joselyn Taylor. The session will provide training on communication strategies to improve accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing in church communities. British Sign Language interpreters will be present at the conference on Friday and Saturday.

Other workshops include “Having Difficult Conversations” with Fay Pretty from PeaceJam UK, focusing on engaging young people in discussions about diversity, tolerance, and social justice; “From Access to Action: Poverty and Participation” with Liam Purcell of Church Action on Poverty; “Language and Racism” with Margaret-Ann Fisken; and “Interfaith Dialogue – For Justice and Peace” with Barbara Butler.

The conference organizers cited Pope Leo XIV’s reflection on the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, noting that “dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but it’s a way of life – a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved, the one who listens and the one who speaks.”

The NJPN has emphasized that reduced-price places will be available for those on low incomes, and bursaries will be offered to help young people attend. Interested parties can contact admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk for details.

This year’s conference addresses a growing concern among religious and community organizations about the erosion of constructive dialogue in public discourse and the proliferation of misinformation across media platforms. By bringing together experts from various fields, the NJPN hopes to foster skills and approaches that promote truthful, respectful, and productive communication across social divides.

For more information and booking details, interested individuals can visit the NJPN website at www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference/.