During Global Media and Information Literacy Week, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, JAIKU Poetry, the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO, and the British High Commission in Kingston convened Art as Soft Power, bringing the principles of soft power to life. Attendees were treated to moving performances in poetry, music, and film, and the power of Caribbean artistic expression was highlighted.
The Global Media and Information Literacy Week seeks to emphasize the need for factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual, and science-based information. On this note, Art as a Soft Power looked to commemorate this week through a Jamaican creative sector intervention while at the same time demonstrating the significant power of creative expression and cultural diplomacy as well.
Blending diplomacy and raw artistic talent, the initiative, held on 26 October in Kingston, aimed to showcase that Caribbean culture is more than entertainment; it is a vital force shaping dialogue and identity. It seamlessly integrated live creative performances into its core discussion, demonstrating firsthand how artists communicate profound ideas, preserve heritage, and influence societal values.
Poetry, performance, and a panel discussion explored how artistic expression build understanding, encourage critical engagement with media, and connect communities across different cultures. The event highlighted the close relationship between media and information literacy and the arts as they both help people interpret and communicate ideas, question perspectives, and participate meaningfully in public life.
Key regional stakeholders were in attendance, and a panel of award-winning literary, film, and media practitioners tackled a wide range of critical issues facing Caribbean creatives today. By placing Caribbean creativity at the center of the week’s program, the initiative offered an engaging, locally rooted way to advance the importance of Media and Information Literacy in today’s complex information environment.
Artists can challenge stereotypes, amplify unheard voices, counter harmful narratives and build understanding across communities. An informed society is not only one that can access information, but one in which everyone has the skills and opportunity to question, create and contribute.
Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO for the Caribbean
Poetry, music, film and storytelling can help us see the world through another person’s eyes. They challenge assumptions, give voice to experiences that might otherwise go unheard and create bridges of understanding across generations, backgrounds and communities.
