UNESCO: Participants of the first European MIL Forum adopt Paris Declaration on Media and Information Literacy in the Digital Era

IRIS 2014-8:1/3

Anne Goubitz

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

On 27-28 May 2014, the First European Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Digital Era Forum was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to adopt the Paris Declaration. Together with the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) a final version of the Declaration was adopted on 21 July 2014. The Paris Declaration calls for a renewed emphasis on MIL for the 21st century digital environment together with co-operation among stakeholders to effectively promote MIL to all citizens.

As a result of technological developments, a rising amount of (online) information and content is created and mediatised. New challenges are introduced such as information overload and ethical questions. Digital convergence of media, information and education calls for new skills and competences such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical use of media and information. The focus on the mere ‘single literacy’ of IT and computer skills is ineffective since both MIL and technological competences are complementary to the use of media and information in different contexts. For the digital era the MIL competences must be seen as being embedded in this wider context.

The Paris Declaration includes 10 recommendations to UNESCO, the European Commission and the community of multi-stakeholders. The Declaration represents renewed support to media and information literacy with a view to empowering individuals in the digital age. The recommendations underline the public interest value of the wider context of the MIL competences and the fostering of human rights, safety and security of the use of information, media and technology. They encourage stakeholders to co-operate with their policies and strategies on MIL. Public service media and governments are encouraged to strengthen their efforts and focus on MIL, with special attention to people with special needs, indigenous peoples and other underserved groups.

With the implementation of these recommendations by the stakeholders in MIL policy and practice, an inclusive entitlement for all citizens to media and information is presented for the 21st century.