UNESCO consultation on Internet Related Issues

UNESCO has a consultation in progress on "Internet related issues". The questionnaire phase closes on 30 Nivember 2014. They are asking for responses, including evidence, relating to four areas, namely: access to information and knowledge, freedom of expression, privacy, and ethical dimensions of the information society. "The questions also explore the intersections between these areas and options for future UNESCO action in these fields."

You will be pleased to know that Media and Information Literacy is mentioned in the "concept paper" (http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/CI/CI/pdf/news/internet_study_concept_paper_en.pdf)
"Accessibility: UNESCO’s approach is that access to information alone is not a sufficient requirement for the creation of Knowledge Societies. Access to knowledge entails learning in formal and informal education settings. It also entails fostering the competencies of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) so as to empower users to make full use of access to the Internet."

The questions which UNESCO is posing in relation to the area of Access are "What can be done to reinforce the right to seek and receive information in the online environment? What mechanisms can develop policies and common standards for open-licensed educational resources and scientific repositories, and for the long-term preservation of digital heritage? How can greater progress be made as regards inclusive strategies for women and girls as well as marginalized and disabled people? How can accessibility be facilitated through increases in locally produced and relevant content in different languages? What can be done to institutionalize MIL effectively in national educational systems?"

Obviously the other areas are very relevant to information literacy too. More information, and link to the questionnaire, here:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/crosscutting-priorities/unesco-internet-study/
Photo by Sheila Webber: Dubrovnik, October 2014