From October 24 to 31, the world celebrates Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, an initiative led by UNESCO that seeks to strengthen people’s abilities to think critically, create ethically, and actively participate in digital environments. This year, the global theme, “Think Before AI: MIL in the Digital World”, invites reflection on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we access information, learn, and connect with one another. Follow the global campaign “AI Makes Mistakes Too” here.
Today, young people spend a large part of their daily lives in the digital world. According to UNESCO’s report “Journey through the MILtiverse”, 80% use artificial intelligence tools several times a day. Meanwhile, according to Reuters data, 54% of Peruvians get their news through Facebook, 34% through YouTube, and 33% through TikTok. However, while access continues to grow, so do the challenges: only 14% verify the information they consume (DATUM, 2023). In addition, according to UNESCO’s report “Whatever Happens, Your Opinion Doesn’t Matter,” 58% of young women and girls have experienced cyberbullying on digital platforms.
In response to this situation, UNESCO promotes Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies so that everyone can use information critically, safely, and responsibly. These skills are essential for addressing disinformation, hate speech, and the impacts of artificial intelligence, while fostering informed, creative, and socially engaged citizenship. Media and Information Literacy goes beyond simply learning how to use technology. It is a way of thinking, creating, and acting with critical and ethical awareness in order to build more democratic and conscious societies.
Young people who think, create, and take action
Throughout October, UNESCO in Peru supported various initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacities of young people and educational communities to build safer, more inclusive, and responsible digital environments.
- September 29: Conference “Transparent Management in Universities” – International Day for Universal Access to InformationThis virtual event was organized by the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Public Information (ANTAIP) and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. More than 700 participants joined the conference to reflect on transparency in higher education institutions. Astrid Arbildo Luna, Technical Coordinator at UNESCO Peru, delivered the presentation “Media and Information Literacy and Access to Information for Youth,” highlighting the importance of seeking, verifying, and sharing quality information.
- October 11: Pre-Congress on Comprehensive Sexual Education and Youth Citizenship: “Young People Who Care, Young People Who Dream”UNESCO participated with the talk “Technology-Facilitated Gender Violence in the AI Era and the Importance of MIL in Promoting Safe Digital Spaces”, alongside 30 young people from various organizations. In July, UNESCO also delivered a workshop for 14 youth leaders from the Sembrando Sueños program during the “Safe Online” Bootcamp, sharing tools from the Connected Youth initiative, which promotes the responsible and ethical use of technology.
- October 12: “Empower Yourself, Neighbor!” Civic Qhapaq Ñan in Villa María del TriunfoUNESCO supported the workshop “Connected Citizen”, focused on the impact of fake news and the importance of Media and Information Literacy in strengthening democracy. This support was provided within the framework of a project led by local youth in the Portales de Sinaí settlement, located in the Lima district of Villa María del Triunfo. Young people, community leaders, and local representatives from the district participated in the event.
- October 23 – November 3: PUCP MIL Week – AMBER Network: “Strengthening Digital Protection through a Gender Perspective”With UNESCO’s support, the AMBER Network is conducting participatory workshops on digital citizenship, online harassment prevention, and cybersecurity with a gender perspective at the Faculties of Social Sciences and Communication Arts and Sciences at PUCP.The project seeks to close knowledge gaps related to digital violence while promoting self-care and the active participation of students in creating safe digital communities.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/young-people-connected-unesco-peru-promotes-media-and-information-literacy-during-mil-week-2025?hub=701
