UNESCO’s 13th Global Media Literacy Conference Concludes with Amman Declaration on Information Empowerment.

Amman: The 13th Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week conference, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Government Communication, concluded Thursday in Amman. Over two days, global leaders discussed advancing media and information literacy, culminating in the launch of the "Amman Declaration." According to Jordan News Agency, the closing ceremony was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali, representing His Majesty King Abdullah II. Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani and UNESCO Assistant Director-General Tawfiq Jelassi jointly presented the Amman Declaration, which reinforces commitments made in the Abuja Declaration on Global Financing for Media and Information Literacy. The declaration urges UNESCO to establish an international fund to support MIL initiatives and foster regional collaboration among Arab countries to enhance funding, knowledge exchange, and best practices in the field. Momani emphasized the declaration's call for governments to creat e an environment that promotes freedom of expression and access to information while protecting against misinformation and digital manipulation, especially during crises. He highlighted the declaration's focus on implementing national and regional policies to make MIL accessible to all, particularly marginalized groups, youth, and the elderly, ensuring equal opportunities across demographics. The declaration advocates collaboration between regulatory bodies, private sectors, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. The declaration, a central outcome of the conference, places media and information literacy as a core international commitment, prioritizing freedom of expression and user empowerment, said Momani, commending UNESCO and Jordan's institutions for their roles in ensuring the success of this landmark event. In his address, Jelassi underscored the declaration's emphasis on the need for global cooperation to strengthen MIL in the digital age. "In this age of constant connectivity, we face challenges ranging from artificial intelligence to misinformation and harmful content. Building resilience against these threats is more crucial than ever," he stated. Jelassi also highlighted the declaration's call for digital platforms to adhere to international human rights standards, promote freedom of expression, and focus on empowering users. The declaration advocates for increased MIL funding, especially in the Arab region, and underscores the significant role cities play in promoting informal learning and critical thinking skills. Aligning MIL initiatives with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the declaration also emphasizes responding to the United Nations Charter's calls for a sustainable future. At the conference's conclusion, Jelassi announced that Colombia will host the 14th Global MIL Conference in 2025.