2016 Jakarta World Forum on Media Development

According to IFLA, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) consists of the knowledge, the attitudes, and the sum of the skills needed to know when and what information is needed; where and how to obtain that information; how to evaluate it critically and organise it once it is found; and how to use it in an ethical way. The concept extends beyond communication and information technologies to encompass learning, critical thinking, and interpretative skills across and beyond professional and educational boundaries. MIL is a new emerging field of human rights in an increasingly digital, interdependent, and global world, and promotes greater social inclusion. According to UNESCO, empowerment of people through information and media literacy is an important prerequisite for fostering equitable access to information and knowledge, and building inclusive knowledge societies. UNESCO is promoting the composite concept of MIL through its activities and programmes, as well as through Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) launched by it in 2013.

Rapporteur for the session: Rohan Jayasekara, Director, Vivarta