Navigating New Digital Frontiers: Highlights from UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week
Digital Skills Foundation
Empower, Inspire, and Enable everyone to reach their full potential for a sustainable future.
As UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2024 concludes today in Amman, we would like to spotlight key topics that defined the discussions. This year’s theme “The New Digital Frontiers of Information: MIL for Public Interest Information” highlighted the urgency of equipping individuals with skills to critically assess and navigate today’s complex information landscape. In these regards, the event tackled critical issues such as combating misinformation, AI’s influence on media, and developing stronger media literacy policies.?
Global efforts must be put to strengthen digital literacy and empower ethical engagement online.
Key Goals of MIL Week 2024
The week underscored the need for global cooperation to create resilient media literacy policies against misinformation, online hate, privacy issues, and AI-driven disinformation. Sessions like the Youth Hackathon and the Youth Multimedia Room spotlighted the role of digital natives, empowering them to actively engage with and address digital-age challenges.
Nigeria’s Call for an African MIL Hub
During the Conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria - represented by his Special Assistant Dr. Sunday Baba - emphasised the need for international support to establish an International MIL Institute in Abuja, envisioned as a central hub for media literacy across Africa. This centre would enhance digital competency and ethical engagement, countering disinformation and fostering a digitally aware society.
Tackling AI's Complex Role in Media and Literacy
Generative AI has added layers of complexity to information creation, with AI-generated content making it challenging to discern fact from fiction. UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms were reiterated throughout the week, emphasising media literacy as an essential counter to regulation. Key discussions included UNESCO Policy Brief, “User Empowerment through Media and Information Literacy Responses to the Evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” which analysed how MIL can help users navigate AI-driven content responsibly.
Toward a Safer, Ethical Digital Environment
MIL Week will culminate in the adoption of the Amman Declaration, reinforcing global commitment to a digitally inclusive and resilient information ecosystem.? By fostering partnerships with educational institutions, civil society, and governments, UNESCO MIL Week reinforces global collaboration to address the pressing digital challenges of today and build a safer, more inclusive information environment.
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Chloe Mathijsen Greenwood
Marketing & Communications Manager | Digital Skills Foundation
References
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, (2024). "Nigeria Participates at the 13th Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Jordan, Calls for International Support for the International Media and Information Literacy Institute." Retrieved from Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation - Press Releases.
UNESCO, (2024). "Global Media and Information Literacy Week Feature Conference 2024." Retrieved from UNESCO.?
UNESCO, (2023). Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms: Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Access to Information through a Multi-Stakeholder Approach. UNESCO, Paris. ISBN 978-92-3-100620-3. Retrieved from UNESDOC Digital Library.
UNESCO, (2024). "UNESCO and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Host Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 Conference." Retrieved from UNESCO.
UNESCO, (2024). User Empowerment through Media and Information Literacy Responses to the Evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). Frau-Meigs, D., author. Retrieved from UNESDOC Digital Library.