Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 (24th-31st October)

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 will be celebrated from October 24 to 31, 2024. It is an annual event organized by UNESCO to raise awareness of the importance of media and information literacy (MIL) and to celebrate the progress made towards achieving MIL for all.

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Global Media and Information Literacy Week Theme 2024

As of today, the theme for the Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 has not been announced yet.

The theme in 2023 was “Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda”. In the “Our Common Agenda” report by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, world leaders made twelve commitments, with a focus on values like trust and solidarity, seen as crucial for social cohesion and positive societal advancements.

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023 Postponed

Announcement: #GlobalMILWeek2023 Postponed

The Global MIL Week 2023, originally scheduled to be held in Jordan, was postponed. The decision to postpone the Global MIL Week 2023 Conference, which was planned for October 23-25 at the Dead Sea, was made jointly by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and UNESCO. A new date for the conference will be communicated as soon as possible, considering the current situation in the region.

Other Important Days in October 2024

What is Media and Information Literacy

Our brains rely on information to function at their best. The quality of the information we interact with greatly influences our perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. This information can come from various sources, including other individuals, media, libraries, archives, museums, publishers, and the internet.

Around the world, people are experiencing a significant surge in access to information and communication.
While some may lack access to information, others are inundated with printed materials, broadcasts, and digital content.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL) addresses fundamental questions that individuals often contemplate.
How can we access, search, critically evaluate, use, and contribute content wisely, whether online or offline? What are our rights in both digital and non-digital realms? What ethical concerns are associated with information access and usage? How can we harness media, information, and communication technologies (ICTs) to foster equality, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace, freedom of expression, and information access?

UNESCO aids in the development of MIL competencies through resources like curriculum development, policy guidelines, and assessment frameworks. This support facilitates the enhancement of media and information literacy skills among people.

History of Global Media and Information Literacy Week

The UN General Assembly took a significant step in 2021 by designating a Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week.
This decision was grounded in the recognition of the critical need for disseminating information that is factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual, and science-based.
The resolution acknowledges the existing digital divide and data disparities both among nations and within them, emphasizing that part of the solution lies in enhancing people’s abilities to find, receive, and share information in the digital domain.
In today’s complex and often contradictory information landscape, the idea of advancing the public good becomes challenging if the public lacks the empowerment to navigate opportunities and threats.
Each individual should be equipped with media and information literacy competencies, enabling them to comprehend the stakes involved and actively participate in and gain from the opportunities in information and communication.

The Global Media and Information Literacy Week, observed annually, offers a significant platform for stakeholders to assess and celebrate the progress made toward the goal of “Media and Information Literacy for All.”

Significance of Global MIL Week

Global Media and Information Literacy Week (GMIL Week) is a significant event because it raises awareness of the importance of media and information literacy (MIL) in today’s digital world. MIL is essential for people to be able to think critically about the information they encounter, to create and share their content responsibly, and to participate effectively in public life.

In the current context, where digital spaces are often used to spread misinformation and disinformation, MIL is more important than ever before. MIL can help people develop the skills they need to identify and avoid misinformation, verify the information they encounter, and make informed decisions about what to believe and share.

24th October 2024 Special Day

From October 24 to 31, 2024, Global Media and Information Literacy Week takes the spotlight, an annual event orchestrated by UNESCO. This celebration is designed to heighten awareness about the crucial significance of media and information literacy (MIL) and applaud the strides made in achieving MIL for all. Let’s join in acknowledging the transformative power of media and information literacy in fostering informed, empowered societies across the globe.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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