Conference on Media and Information Literacy for Prevention of Violent Extremism in Pakistan

In recent years’ Media and Information Literacy has gained significance for Preventing Violent Extremism efforts around the world. Consequently, Pakistan has been identified as a potential country for utilizing Media and Information Literacy for preventing violent extremism. A two-day national conference is being organized to bring on board diverse group of stakeholders in establishing and identifying synergies between Media and Information Literacy everts and Preventing Violent Extremism at country level.
In Pakistan, the Prevention of Violent Extremism initiatives thus far have only focused on vocational training and livelihood support under the belief that young adults are less motivated to participate in violent extremism when they live a higher quality of life. Media and Information Literacy has been identified as a tool in combatting violent extremism, following recent Media and Information Literacy needs assessments undertaken in Pakistan. Media and Information Literacy has a long history of being utilized to counter hate speech and propaganda by equipping citizens with capacities to analyse information critically and evaluate the credibility of the source of information. A two-day Conference in Pakistan will contribute to introducing Media and Information Literacy to the ongoing Prevention of Violent Extremism initiatives, which would further strengthen their efficacy. Therefore, UNESCO Islamabad in collaboration with civil society partner – Media Matters For Democracy under the leadership of IFAP national committee is hosting a conference with the goal to initiate dialogue in incorporating Media and Information Literacy at national level strategies for Prevention of Violent Extremism. The overall purpose of this Conference is to initiate conversation about incorporating Media and Information Literacy into the prevention of violent extremism in Pakistan.