UNESCO and Global Media Networks Unite to Advance Media and Information Literacy
16 October 2025
On 26 September 2025, UNESCO convened a meeting of global media networks working on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The online event brought together senior representatives of regional and international private, public, and community media and journalist networks across all regions. Collectively, these partners represent over 800 members, reaching an audience of over 7 billion people. The event aimed to foster greater collaboration, exchange of best practices, and build media networking around MIL in media.
"MIL is a commitment to audiences. It goes beyond informing, it’s about enabling citizens to think critically, to discern truth from dis and misinformation, and to participate actively in society. Together, we can advance the Global Media Partnership on Media and Information Literacy."
Sylvie Coudray
Director of the Division of Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy
Integrating Media and Information Literacy in Media Policies and Practices
Participants agreed that media are powerful platforms for public discourse and lifelong learning, reaching audiences beyond formal education. To fulfill this potential, media organizations increasingly recognize the strategic importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL). Integrating MIL into editorial policies and operations is vital to rebuild public trust in journalism and encourage public engagement in MIL initiatives.
Media can contribute by developing dedicated MIL programming, joining awareness campaigns, and partnering with diverse stakeholders. However, current efforts often remain fragmented and lack a systematic approach. To address this, UNESCO, in collaboration with Thomson Media and global media networks, has developed a new resource: the Multimedia MIL Toolkit for Media and MIL Indicators for Media.
This resource stems from cooperation with 13 major media and journalist networks, including the African Union of Broadcasting, World Association of News Publishers, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Federation of African Journalists, and International Association of Community Radio/Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, these networks have developed MIL policies, strengthened the capacities of 1,875 media leaders and journalists, and mentored over 140 media outlets in 50 countries to integrate MIL into their editorial strategies.
Unveiled during the event, the Multimedia MIL Toolkit for Media is built around nine indicators to guide media organizations in planning, implementing, and monitoring MIL initiatives. It provides adaptable templates, case studies, and multimedia resources and will be officially presented during Global MIL Week in Cartagena (22–24 October 2025). The toolkit also serves journalism schools, media regulators, and civil society actors working with media on MIL.
Advancing a global media partnership on MIL
A key takeaway from the meeting was the need for stronger collaboration among media actors. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to build partnerships, share best practices, and coordinate joint advocacy to advance MIL globally.
The event gathered partners such as African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association of Broadcasting (AIR-IAB), Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACMW), Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe (ERNO), International Association of Community Radio/Latin America and the Caribbean (IMARC/LAC), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Federation of African Journalist (FAJ), World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), and International Center of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ).