Prepared by: Etrit Rexhepi
In the information age, where the flow of media and data is faster and wider than ever before, the ability to understand, analyze and use information critically and responsibly has become vitally important. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is no longer simply an additional component of education, but is a fundamental need for active citizenship, democratic participation and sustainable social, economic and cultural development.
Global Media Literacy Week constitutes the most visible and organized effort to empower individuals and societies in the critical and responsible use of media and information.
The first initiative to mark media literacy emerged in Canada with Media Literacy Week (MLE). Launched in 2006, MLE promoted media and information literacy in schools, homes and communities, including intercultural dialogue and educational activities for young people. With the support of schools, libraries and educational organizations, MLE aimed to create informed and engaged citizens, including the creation of media products by young people themselves and the development of educational resources and programs. The goal was to integrate media literacy permanently in schools and homes, as a tool for active citizenship and democratic responsibility (see here).
The First International Forum on Media and Information Education (MIE) was organized in Fez, Morocco, in 2011, with the participation of over 200 experts, academics and professionals from 40 countries and five continents, and with the support of UNESCO, ICESCO, ABEGS and UNAOC. The Forum aimed to promote MIE as a fundamental human right, to foster active civic participation, social, economic and cultural development, as well as intercultural dialogue and global peace. Participants reaffirmed the importance of integrating MIE into educational curricula, developing critical and ethical skills of young people and media professionals, user-generated content and regional and international cooperation. They also recommended the establishment of regional institutes and international networks for MIE, the organization of a World MIE Week and the holding of regular editions of the Forum to strengthen MIE as a basis for sustainable development and global peace (see here).
Building on the Fez Declaration in Morocco, to empower individuals and societies in the critical and responsible use of information and media, the Global Media and Information Literacy Week (Global MIL Week) was formally established by UNESCO in 2011. During the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference, this week was officially recognized as an international event and decided to be held annually from 24 to 31 October, highlighting the importance of developing MIL policies and programs at the global level (see here).
In conclusion, this week was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021, through a resolution adopted in this organization, and is held annually from 24 to 31 October, promoting access to information, freedom of expression and combating disinformation (see here).
This year’s (2025) Global Media and Information Literacy Week Conference will be hosted by UNESCO and the Republic of Colombia on 23 and 24 October 2025, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This year, the focus will be on the intersection between media and information literacy (MIL) and artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how AI is transforming the information landscape and why developing MIL skills remains essential to empowering individuals to engage critically with AI-generated content (see here).