26 April 2025 | Mangalore, India
In a significant move toward advancing media literacy and ethical communication among youth, the Secretary General of the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), Mr. Roshan Melwyn Lobo, met with Rev. Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, National President of SIGNIS India. The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations, with an emphasis on digital literacy, value-based media engagement, and ethical use of technology.

SIGNIS, an international Catholic media organization, was formed in November 2001 in Rome through the merger of two historic bodies: Unda, which specialized in radio and television, and OCIC (Organisation Catholique Internationale du Cinéma), which focused on cinema and audiovisual media. Originally founded in 1928 in Cologne and The Hague respectively, both organizations contributed extensively to Catholic media apostolates worldwide. The name SIGNIS is derived from the Latin words Signum (Sign) and Ignis (Fire), symbolizing a mission that is both deeply rooted in tradition and driven by creative innovation.

The meeting underscored the urgent need to equip young people with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly. Both leaders acknowledged the increasing influence of media in shaping perspectives and emphasized the role of Catholic organizations in promoting truth, dialogue, and social responsibility.

Discussions revealed promising avenues for partnership in developing youth-centered initiatives around media education, ethical technology, and advocacy for digital justice. The collaboration aims to support IYCS’s global advocacy focus while enriching the outreach and impact of SIGNIS in the youth sector.

This emerging alliance represents a shared commitment to building a generation of digitally literate, critically engaged, and ethically grounded young leaders ready to transform society through positive media engagement.