Global Media and Information Literacy Week Begins in Amman.

Amman: The Global Media and Information Literacy Week conference commenced in Amman, focusing on "The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public-interest Information." The event, organized by UNESCO and the Ministry of Government Communication, is sponsored by the Anna Lindh Foundation President, Princess Rym Ali, who is also the founder of the Jordan Media Institute (JMI). According to Jordan News Agency, Princess Rym Ali highlighted in her opening remarks the conference's potential to introduce new ideas and proposals that would help in shaping the "Amman Declaration." She emphasized the importance of advancing digital skills to navigate a complex reality and avoid manipulation, fraud, and social inequality. Princess Rym stressed that disparities in digital technology access could hinder democratic participation and economic growth, thereby marginalizing certain groups. She also underscored the need for acquiring critical thinking and verification skills as an integral part of media literacy. Princess Rym Ali elaborated on the role of the JMI, established in 2010, as a pioneering institution in training teachers and youth in media and information literacy. She discussed the Institute's ongoing efforts to expand media and information literacy at the national level, produce educational resources in Arabic, and support the government's adoption of the National Plan for Disseminating Media and Information Literacy in 2020. Under this plan, approximately 3,000 teachers have been trained in media literacy. The Princess expressed her pride in Jordan's progress and her hopes for the country to become a regional hub for developing media and information literacy. She acknowledged UNESCO's crucial role in supporting these efforts, particularly in the context of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, Ukraine, and Sudan. She addressed the challenges in information movement in the Middle East, noting how the Israeli actions in Gaza have influenced perceptions of reality. Princess Rym Ali also discussed the role of credible media and social media in spreading misinformation, especially with the advent of new technologies. She remarked on the restrictions faced by journalists in Gaza and how some international media outlets' coverage often does not reflect the facts reported by Arab networks. She emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue, mutual understanding, and coexistence in a divided world, advocating for the promotion of political, cultural, and social pluralism. Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani welcomed participants to Amman, describing it as a capital of civilized initiatives under Hashemite leadership. He highlighted the significance of hosting the event for the first time in an Arab country and expressed hope that the opinions and suggestions from the conference would contribute to global efforts to advance media and information literacy. Momani reiterated Jordan's commitment to defending international principles, including those of UNESCO, during the 13th World Conference on Media and Information Literacy, which brings together experts in education, media, and culture to uphold humanitarian principles amidst global challenges.