Thursday, October 31, 2024

UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Cities guidelines launched #GlobalMILweek #MILcities #MILCLICKS

Cover page of MIL Cities guidelines

UNESCO has today launched Operational guidelines: constructing UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Cities. It starts by saying "Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is essential for navigating today’s complex information landscape. Media and Information Literacy skills directly support the right to information and freedom of expression, whilst also empowering individuals with the skills needed to combat disinformation, hate speech, social exclusion, and racism."
There is a table of 10 MIL Cities stakeholder groups and their potential actions. The 10th "others" group is "families, libraries, community centers, and NGOs among others" and it notes that "Libraries serve as accessible hubs for information and learning, providing resources and programmes that enhance MIL among citizens. Librarians, with their expertise in information management and dissemination, act as facilitators and educators, guiding individuals in navigating the complex information ecosystem."
There is a short statement on how MIL cities can support human rights. There are some short paragraphs giving examples of MIL cities around the world some mentioning libraries e.g. "The city of Gothenburg has been active in promoting Media and Information Literacy, especially through its public libraries. The city’s libraries offer a range of programmes and workshops aimed at enhancing citizens’ information literacy and critical thinking skills".
There is a table showing connections with other UNESCO cities initiatives e.g. Creative cities. Then there are few final pages laying out steps for developing and monitoing a MIL city. I haven't had time to compare this document with the previous UNESCO MIL Cities guidelines, but it does look as though it has built on that publication.
You can download the publication here https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000391748

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