2_UNESCO_Composite_Document

Foreword
The world is changing at a staggering pace.
The way we communicate, learn, create and access information
and knowledge is being revolutionised by new information and
communication technologies (ICTs), and the increasing flow of
content they generate.
UNESCO has always been at the heart of international thinking and
action about the impact of this changing environment and the role
of technologies for inclusive and sustainable development. We are
promoting the potential of open and inclusive technologies, free,
independent and pluralistic media and information organizations
to advance development in a way that enhances the rights and
opportunities of people to become fully empowered citizens. We
are working to ensure that technological advances and the
explosion of information and media content benefit all members
of society and marginalize no one.
This is why UNESCO introduced the composite concept of Media
and Information Literacy (MIL). MIL is driven by the idea that
citizens, communities and nations require a new set of
competencies to access data and information, organize, evaluate
for creation, utilization and communication of knowledge, so as to
achieve their personal, social, professional and educational goals.
We believe that media and information literacy is one of the
preconditions of sustainable development and that literate use of
information and media will help ensure that everyone enjoys the
full benefits of freedom of expression and access to information.
UNESCO has published several ground-breaking documents to
facilitate the application of MIL. The 2011 UNESCO MIL Curriculum
for Teachers is designed for integration into the formal teacher
education system. UNESCO’s 2013 Global MIL Assessment
Framework: Country Readiness and Competencies equips policy
makers with a strategic framework, supported by evidence based
information, for taking concrete actions to ensure that all citizens
acquire media and information competencies and assess country’s
readiness to implement MIL related activities. The 2013 MIL Policy
and Strategy Guidelines assists Member States in putting in place
national MIL-related policies and elaborating the strategies that
are needed to sustain their efforts in implementing MIL activities.
Overview of Information Literacy Resources Worldwide |10