The mental health of young people truly does matter, and we urge all MIL enthusiasts around the world to use the occasion of the International Youth Day to help young people achieve their full potential and highlight the role of MIL in this regard.

At the level of GAPMIL, we shall continue to pursue programmes and initiatives that put the health and well-being of young people on the forefront of global discourse.

The Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) is committed to supporting children and youth in their efforts to engage in meaningful participation in our world which is driven by information, media and technology. Media and information literacy (MIL) is concerned with developing citizens’ critical understanding of information and media, as well as the roles these play in all aspects of their daily lives and in society as a whole.

MIL is also concerned with supporting young people to become active citizens as they navigate the plethora of information and media messages that they encounter, and as they explore the potential positive and negative aspects of information and media content.

The type of information we access, whether through electronic media, Internet, books, or face-to-face interactions can influence our behavior, the way we see ourselves and others. Media and information literacy competencies and access to media and information technology are all important to ensure children’s and youth’s full-fledged development and participation in inclusive, just and healthy societies.

Note

GAPMIL was launched in June 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria, by UNESCO, UNAOC, and other partners, during the Global Forum for Partnerships on MIL, incorporating the International Conference on MIL and Intercultural Dialogue.

It aims to promote media and information literacy (MIL) as a means to open and inclusive development.  For more information on GAPMIL, please visit: http://www.unesco.org/new/.../gapmil_framework_and_action_plan