Media and Information Literacy

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Introduction to the Program

Our brains depend on information to work optimally. The quality of information we engage with largely determines our perceptions, beliefs and attitudes. It could be information from other persons, the media, libraries, archives, museums, publishers, or other information providers including those on the Internet.

People across the world are witnessing a dramatic increase in access to information and communication. While some people are starved for information, others are flooded with print, broadcast and digital content. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) provides answers to the questions that we all ask ourselves at some point. How can we access, search, critically assess, use and contribute content wisely, both online and offline? What are our rights online and offline? What are the ethical issues surrounding the access and use of information? How can we engage with media and ICTs to promote equality, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace, freedom of expression and access to information?

How is UNESCO promoting media and information literacy?

Through capacity-building resources, such as curricula development, policy guidelines and articulation, and assessment framework, UNESCO supports the development of MIL competencies among people. Free and open online courses are available for self-paced learning about MIL. Via media and information technologies, the Organisation facilitates networking and research through the Global Alliance for Partnerships on MIL (GAPMIL) and MIL University Network. The recently-launched MIL CLICKS social media initiative is also part of UNESCO’s strategy to enable media and information literate societies.

To find out more about what UNESCO is doing to promote MIL, click here.

Where is the program working?

In the first rollout of the special account, UNESCO will expand its work in encouraging media and information literacy in both Africa and Asia, specifically in the following countries:

For more information on this UNESCO program, please contact Alton Grizzle, Programme Specialist, at: a.grizzle(at)unesco.org, or Xu Jing, Associate Project Officer, at: ji.xu(at)unesco.org