More than any time in history girls and boys are learning about themselves and the world around them more through media and technologies. Global phenomena such as privacy, youth radicalization, hate speech and new opportunities to engage in positive social change are mediated by media and technology.

Media and information literacy competencies are integral to all other 21st century competencies, be they technical competencies or social competencies, such as cultural literacy, global citizenship, financial literacy, health literacy, science literacy or environmental literacy. 

Youth skills or youth competencies have become urgent for their existence and survival in 21st century.

As one young person who is enrolled in the UNESCO and Athabasca University massive open online course (MOOC) in media and information literacy and intercultural dialogue notes:

“You know this course is changing my life, my perception, and correcting certain myopic view of mine. I am just so glad and I so wish I can educate every child so they won't grow with certain stereotyped perception and ignorance. (Iredumare Ojengbede Opeyemi)”  

UNESCO invites youth organizations and all actors to join us in stimulating awareness of the importance of media and information competencies to empower girls and boys by participation in the Women on Homepage initiative.

Download the Women on Homepage flyer. Circulate it in social media. Participate in the suggested actions by promoting girls, women and boys on your homepage.  

The World Youth Skills Day was established by the UN General Assembly on November 11, 2014, highlighting importance of youth skill development at global level.