Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023: 24-31 October

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023

Global Media and Information Literacy Week, observed from October 24 to 31 every year, is an event of great importance in the realm of information and media literacy. It serves as an occasion for reflection, celebration, and international collaboration on this critical topic. In this article, we explore the key aspects of this event, its theme for this year, and the fundamental concept of Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

Global Media and Information Literacy Week: An Overview

Global Media and Information Literacy Week is an annual observance that holds special significance in the global calendar. This year, the responsibility of hosting this vital event falls to Nigeria. It was launched in 2012 by UNESCO with support from the UNESCO-U.N.A.O.C. Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue University Network, along with the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance. This observance provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess and celebrate the progress made in achieving media and information literacy on a global scale.

The Theme for 2023

The theme for Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023 is “Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda.” This theme underscores the growing importance of digital literacy in a world where information is increasingly disseminated through digital channels. It emphasizes the need for a collective effort on a global scale to enhance digital literacy, enabling individuals to navigate and critically engage with digital information effectively.

UN General Assembly Recognition

In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week. This recognition stemmed from the need to ensure the dissemination of factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual, and science-based information. The resolution acknowledges the digital divide and data inequalities that exist among different countries and within them, highlighting the role of media and information literacy in bridging these gaps.

Understanding Media and Information Literacy

Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a concept that has gained prominence in our rapidly evolving information landscape. It’s all about equipping individuals with the competencies needed to access, evaluate, and utilize information from various sources. In an age where we are inundated with a plethora of information, MIL helps us make informed decisions, critically assess content, and navigate the complexities of the digital world.

MIL addresses crucial questions that we all encounter in our information-driven lives. It empowers individuals to understand how to access, search, critically assess, use, and contribute information online and offline. It also delves into our rights, both in the digital and physical realms, and explores ethical issues surrounding information access and use. MIL is a vital tool for promoting equality, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace, freedom of expression, and access to information in an increasingly digital world.

UNESCO’s Role in Promoting MIL Competencies

UNESCO plays a crucial role in advancing Media and Information Literacy. It offers capacity-building resources such as curricula development, policy guidelines, articulation, and assessment frameworks. These resources are designed to foster MIL competencies among individuals, promoting a society that is well-informed, critically aware, and equipped to engage with the information and communication opportunities of the digital age.