Artificial Intelligence and Human Identity: Voices and Faces Matter

Media Education Seminar held in Port Moresby

Catholic Bishops Conference, Waigani, Port Moresby: The first program of Media Education Seminar was held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, organized and facilitated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, and a team of volunteer facilitators. Eight Catholic institutions participated in the program, with over fifty participants including students and teacher animators.

Opening and Welcome

The program began with a warm welcome, an opening prayer, and an energizing warm-up activity led by Fr. Ambrose and Lucy Napitalai.

Fr. Ambrose Pereira, sdb presenting during the Media Education Seminar in Port Moresby

Theme: Voices and Faces in an AI Age

With the theme “Voices and Faces in an AI Age,” Fr. Ambrose opened the first session by explaining the message for World Communications Day 2026, from which the seminar theme was derived. He outlined the objectives of the Media Education Seminar: to inform, educate, entertain, inspire, transform, and effect social change.

Reflections on Artificial Intelligence

Fr. Ambrose also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s reflections on the growing role of artificial intelligence, emphasizing human dignity, the anthropological challenge, and ethical AI. He pointed out three important pillars in engaging with AI: responsibility, cooperation, and education.

Session on Logos and Identity

The second session was facilitated by Ms. Patrina Kaboanga, who spoke about logos, their importance, and their key elements. She explained how a well-designed logo helps foster brand loyalty and strengthen identity. She also highlighted the main components of a logo: colour, typography, imagery, and tagline.

Posters with a Message

The following session was facilitated by Mrs. Sheryll Isoaimo, who spoke on “Posters with a Message.” She emphasized the importance of understanding the purpose, audience, and call to action (CTA) when designing posters.

“A poster with a message must include a picture, slogan, copy, and logo,” she explained. Participants then took part in a practical activity where they designed posters based on the theme “Voices and Faces in the AI Age.”

Introduction to Photography

The final session, coordinated by Mr. Leo Paraha, focused on photography. He introduced the three fundamental components of photography: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. He also elaborated on six important elements of photography: line, shape, texture, colour, value, and space. In addition, he highlighted the three Ss of good photography: safety, steady, and spotless.

Participant Reflections

Students expressed their appreciation for the seminar during the evaluation session.

“I enjoyed the program which were very informative. I also enjoyed the group work, happiness, laughter, joy, and peace in the conference room,” stated a participant from St. Joseph.

“First of all, I thank all the animators and facilitators for the program. I felt privileged as a student to attend this seminar and appreciated the interaction. One message that stood out to me, especially in photography, was that when taking a picture, it must tell a story,” shared a student from Jubilee Secondary School.

Group photo of the participants and facilitators of the seminar

Creative Presentations

The groups then presented their practical activities, showcasing their creativity in logo design, poster creation, and photography. Powerful messages were expressed by several students. Here are some of them:

“Authenticity Beyond the Lens” – Don Bosco Technological Institute“Use AI, don’t let AI use you” – St. Joseph

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

At the end of the program, Fr. Ambrose Pereira expressed his gratitude to all the students, teacher animators, and facilitators for making the Media Education Seminar a success. The students look forward to the next seminar to deal with the Print Media. It will be held on the 18th April at the Catholic Bishops Conference, Waigani.