The 5th International Conference of the Global Communication Research Association was held at South China Normal University from December 2 to 4, 2011. The conference was organized by the Global Communication Research Association (GCRA) and South China Normal University (SCNU), and hosted by the School of Information Technology in Education, the National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education in Information Communication, and the Humanities and Social Sciences Key Research Base for Information Communication and Cultural Creative Industries of the SCNU.

The GCRA is a global media research organization aimed at enhancing mutual understanding among media and communication organizations worldwide and promoting the development and progress of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in information-blocked countries and regions. The 2011 International Conference of the GCRA is considered a high-level conference in information and media technology, and it is of great significance for the development and innovation of international information and communication technologies. Themed "Communication, Education, Development, and Innovation", the conference consisted of six topics: "New Media and Global Communication", "Educational Informatization and Innovation", "Educational Communication and Technology", "Communication and Sustainable Development", "Media Education", and "Public Relations and Advertising Communication", attracting over 80 representatives from universities and related institutions from countries including China, the Netherlands, Australia, India, Egypt, and Sri Lanka to give special presentations.

Associate Professor Zhang Baiming from the School of Culture and Communication of the China University of Labor Relations was invited to participate in the special forum on "Communication and Sustainable Development" and delivered a keynote speech titled "The Communication Form of Human Holistic Extension - Node Communication", discussing the new characteristics of communication forms in the new media communication environment. He also served as a specially invited moderator for the special discussion in the second half of the forum on "Public Relations and Advertising Communication".

(School of Culture and Communication)