Global Media and Information Literacy Week is an annual event observed from 24th to 31st October to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all.
During Global Media and Information Literacy Week, stakeholders around the world organize events and UNESCO co-hosts with a Member State the global conference gathering the Media and Information Literacy community.
What is Media and Information Literacy?
Media and Information Literacy encompasses various competencies that enable individuals and groups to navigate today’s information and communications environment. It covers a large spectrum of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to better search, access, critically evaluate, use and contribute to information and media content.
Thereby, Media and Information Literacy enables the purposeful and creative use of digital technology and empowers all users through enhancing their knowledge of their online and digital rights, as well of the ethical issues surrounding access to and use of information. Media and information literate citizens are equipped to engage more effectively in dialogue, freedom of expression, access to information, gender equality, diversity, peace, and sustainable development.
Media and Information Literacy is key to address the challenges of the 21st century including the proliferation of mis- and disinformation and hate speech, the decline of trust in media and the transformative impact of digital innovations notably Artificial Intelligence.
A UN celebration
In 2021, the UN General Assembly decided to commemorate Global Media and Information Literacy Week, to emphasize the need for factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual and science-based information. The resolution acknowledges that the significant digital divide and data disparities between countries and within them, can be addressed in part by enhancing people’s competencies to seek, receive and share information in the digital realm.
Video Message from Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information of UNESCO
On the occasion of Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2026, Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at UNESCO, delivers a video message celebrating this year’s theme, “We All Play A Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People”. She emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in advancing media and information literacy and building a more informed, inclusive and empowered society.
