TEHRAN - Iran Media Literacy Association has organized various programs to celebrate the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week from October 24 to 31.

These programs include holding competitions, workshops, lectures, seminars, and other educational events.

The main objective is to study the concept of MIL in service of people's interests and to point out the role it plays in improving the level of information, participation, and empowerment of everyone.

Media literacy is an expanded conceptualization of literacy that includes the ability to access and analyze media messages as well as create, reflect, and take action, using the power of information and communication to make a difference in the world.

According to the UN website, Media and Information Literacy 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 information and communications technologies (ICTs) to promote equality, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace, freedom of expression, and access to information?

The Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023 focuses on digital spaces and gives the opportunity to explore paths for strengthening multilateral cooperation with digital platforms and other stakeholders.

It highlights some promising actions in connection with media and information literacy and how media and information literacy help with nurturing trust and countering mistrust.

This year the global MIL week was supposed to be hosted by Jordan, but it has been postponed to a future date owing to the current situation in the region.

MIL history

In 2021, the UN General Assembly decided to commemorate MIL week, citing the need for the dissemination of factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual, and science-based information.

The resolution recognizes that the substantial digital divide and data inequalities that exist among different countries and within them, can be addressed in part by improving people’s competencies to seek, receive, and impart information in the digital realm.

MT/MG