Media and Information Literacy Youth Agenda Forum

Media  and  information  literate  youth  can contribute  to building societies based on trust and solidarity. 

Since 2016, UNESCO has been holding an annual forum for young people called the Youth Agenda Forum. This Forum’s purpose is to help young people learn about the latest developments in media and information literacy. The Forum is designed to emphasize the importance of involving youth in programs, initiatives, and activities related to Media and Information Literacy (MIL). Progressively, UNESCO is engaging youth as leaders and peer educators in the creation and dissemination of MIL knowledge and resources.

1. Dedicated sessions that are included in the thematic events of the Global Media and Information Literacy covering issues such as youth and  intergenerational engagement in the digital space.

2. The Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon which is a great opportunity for young people to get involved in creating innovative media literacy learning experiences.

3. The Talking Across Generation on Education (TAGe) on Media and Information Literacy. TAGe is a youth-driven cross-generational dialogue on education that offers youth a platform to interact, discuss and debate with decision-makers/politicians on important future issues. This TAGe will focus on youth involvement in Media and Information Literacy policies and strategies design, articulation, implementation and evaluation. It will see to the launch  of the Action Plan for Youth Involvement in Media and Information Literacy and Access to Information Policies and Strategies.

4. The Youth Newsroom and MIL CLICKS initiative. There are led by young people which covers all aspects of the week through its social media engagements and content development for MIL CLICKS. This year, for the first time, the Youth Newsroom is setting up a YouthMIL podcast studio to interact with key policymakers, experts, and panelists. 

5. Mobilizations of youth as advocates for MIL Cities. Every year Global Media and Information Literacy Week meets World Cities Day on 31 October. Annually, UNESCO facilitates dialogue about MIL Cities among mayors, other city officials, and universities in connection with cities or universities that are aspiring MIL Cities or University MIL Cities. This year, we are broadening the dialogue to include youth as advocates, changemakers and placing them at the center of any action planning aimed at creating an active citizenry.