This year, UNESCO is also launching a Media and Information Literacy Week initiative for the last week of October. The central theme this year is Media and Information Literacy in the Digital Space. The aim is to strengthen, at global and national levels, through various activities, the capacity of individuals and societies to understand and critically assess information in the digital age and to contribute to a better understanding of media and information challenges. At the same time, this week is an opportunity to draw attention and motivate people worldwide, including governments, educational institutions, media and civil society, to work together to improve media and information literacy.
In Slovakia, the activities of Media and Information Literacy Week covers the Media Literacy+ platform. The ambition is to highlight the importance of each individual as a potential agent of change in their environment who can contribute to a more media literate society through responsible and safe media use or by spreading awareness. Members of the Media Literacy+ platform will join the UNESCO initiative by organising discussions, workshops and other public events.
The Media Services Council, together with platform partners, organises conferences for teachers, digital coordinators and library staff during the week. The events take place on 24 October 2023 in in Bratislava and on 27 October 2023 in Prešov. Both conferences are divided into two parts - a panel discussion and practical workshops. The topic of the panel discussions is offline influencers as a source of wisdom in the digital era. Discussants will reflect on the role of teachers, digital coordinators and librarians in the 21st century. They will debate how offline influencers can contribute to increasing media and information literacy for different age groups, as well as the skills and abilities needed to survive in the digital era.