Global Media and Information Literacy Week

Global Media and Information Literacy Week is taking place this year from 24-31 October, highlighting the theme of “Minds Over AI.”

In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how information is produced, shared, and consumed. From curating news feeds to creating content, AI systems increasingly shape what we interact with online. As these technologies become involved into our everyday lives, the need for strong Media and Information Literacy (MIL) has never been more urgent.

MIL provides individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to identify, interpret, and evaluate AI-generated content. It enables people to question sources, recognize algorithmic biases, and make informed decisions in a media environment dominated by automation. This year’s “Minds Over AI” theme emphasizes the importance of keeping human judgment, ethics, and critical awareness at the center of digital engagement.

In 2021, the UN General Assembly declared the observance of Global Media and Information Literacy Week, highlighting the global need for factual, accessible, multilingual, and science-based communication. The resolution acknowledged that closing the digital divide and addressing data inequalities depend partly on improving people’s ability to seek, analyze, and share information responsibly.

Media and Information Literacy Week serves as a global platform for governments, educators, and civil society to celebrate progress toward “Media and Information Literacy for All.” It reminds us that the quality of the information we consume directly shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes, whether that information comes from traditional media, online platforms, or emerging AI systems.

Through capacity-building efforts such as curriculum development, policy guidance, and assessment frameworks, UNESCO continues to advance global MIL competencies. Ultimately, fostering “minds over AI” ensures that technology continues to serve and aid humanitarian efforts.

For more information, please visit the UN site.