Latest news with #MediaandInformationLiteracy
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Roundtable discussion held to shape first media, info literacy strategy
ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward fostering a digitally responsible and informed society, UNESCO, in collaboration with Media Foundation 360, the Department of Digital Media at the University of the Punjab and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organised a high-level technical session in Islamabad titled 'Shaping National Policy: Enhancing Policymakers' Understanding of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Challenges.' The session brought together members of the National Assembly, parliamentarians from the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, media professionals, communication strategists, and academic experts to discuss the integration of Media and Information Literacy into Pakistan's national policy frameworks. Held at PIPS Seminar Room-II, the event served as a platform to deliberate on how MIL can serve as a tool to combat disinformation, foster critical thinking, and build democratic resilience among citizens, particularly youth. The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Executive Director of PIPS Asim Khan Goraya, who emphasized the importance of equipping policymakers with strategic insights into the risks posed by misinformation in the digital age. Chairperson of the Department of Digital Media and the lead for the strategy development Prof. Dr. Savera Mujib Shami presented the key elements of the draft National MIL Strategy. She highlighted the strategy's focus on embedding MIL into Pakistan's educational curricula, media practices, and governance systems, with an emphasis on youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and ethical digital engagement. The Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan Antony Kar Hung Tam addressed the gathering and underlined UNESCO's commitment to supporting Pakistan in building inclusive knowledge societies. He reiterated the organization's vision of empowering citizens to navigate the complex digital information landscape safely and responsibly through Media and Information Literacy. The session featured an interactive panel discussion and roundtable dialogue, chaired by the member of the National Assembly Syeda Shehla Raza. The conversation revolved around the urgent need to empower youth with critical thinking skills, promote civic education, and instill democratic values to counter the growing threat of disinformation. Participants discussed how MIL could be used beyond classrooms to strengthen public discourse and social cohesion. The concluding session was chaired by the Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture Huzaifa Rehman. Notable participants included Senator Sarmad Ali, Pullain Baloch, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting; MNA Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, General Secretary of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF); as well as members of the National Assembly Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Rana Ansar, and Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli. Mubashar Bukhari, President of Media Foundation 360; Muhammad Noshad Ali, Group Executive Editor of Daily Pakistan; and Ms. Amina Ali, a Culture and Communication Strategist, also took part in the round-table, contributing valuable insights to the discussion Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Nahar Net
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day: Reporting in Brave New World
by Naharnet Newsdesk 06 May 2025, 11:33 Under the global theme 'Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media', UNESCO marked on Monday World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a celebration, held under the patronage of Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information. The event brought together media professionals, technology and AI experts, government representatives, civil society actors, and young journalists to reflect on the evolving relationship between technology and media in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. The celebration began with opening remarks from Ms. Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Beirut Office, and Minister Morcos. Both emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of expression while also recognizing the transformative potential of AI for the media sector. 'Press freedom is not a privilege; it is a right that must be preserved with vigilance. In this age of innovation and artificial intelligence, it is imperative that journalism and technology evolve together, upholding the principles of truth, democracy, and human dignity. In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with UNESCO to promote the rights of journalists, safeguard our audiovisual heritage, and combat disinformation.' said Morcos. 'AI brings to Lebanon both great promise and significant risks,' said Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut. 'On one hand, it creates new opportunities for people to access information, connect globally, and amplify underrepresented voices. On the other, it raises serious concerns about misinformation, surveillance, and digital manipulation — challenges that resonate deeply in our local context, where media independence often faces pressure. UNESCO has consistently supported Lebanon in navigating these technological and societal shifts, working closely with our institutional partner, the Ministry of Information, to promote a free, pluralistic, safe, and inclusive media landscape.' The day was also an opportunity to launch a new Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Campaign, developed by UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Information in Lebanon and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The campaign aims to raise public awareness on critical thinking and equip citizens with the tools to identify and combat fake news and disinformation. Building on this momentum, UNESCO handed over six cameras to field reporters from the National News Agency (NNA) and Télé Liban. The reporters had previously acquired fact-checking skills through a customized training program, which focused on combating disinformation and upholding media integrity in challenging contexts. A core feature of the event was a series of interactive thematic sessions that convened media professionals, AI experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors. The sessions provided a space for open discussion, shared insights, and dialogue on the practical and ethical implications of AI in media. Topics included AI's role in fighting and fueling disinformation, its effect on news production and media viability, and the challenges it poses to editorial independence and democratic discourse. These discussions fostered collective reflection and highlighted the need for robust safeguards and inclusive governance frameworks to protect press freedom. These thematic discussions were not only enriched by expert perspectives but also energized by the presence of young voices. The active involvement of a team of dynamic university students from the Youth Newsroom initiative added a hands-on learning component to the event. These aspiring journalists covered the sessions, conducted interviews, and produced stories as part of a structured training experience in professional reporting and media ethics. World Press Freedom Day 2025 provides a platform to examine how AI can both support and challenge the free flow of information, enhance press freedom, and contribute to democratic consolidation and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving digital world. It reaffirms UNESCO's commitment to promoting a media landscape that is free, inclusive, and grounded in human rights standards, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16.10 to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. About UNESCO With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay. 'Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed' – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
