THE 8th Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2019 was organized at the Shwe U Daung Hall of the News and Periodicals Enterprise on Theinbyu Road in Yangon yesterday morning.
Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint delivered an opening speech at the ceremony which was also attended by representatives of the Myanmar Press Council, the Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation, UNESCO and partner organizations.
The Union Minister said that the yearly Global Media and In-formation Literacy (MIL) Week was initiated in 2012 by UNESCO, and the theme for this year is “Media and Information Literate Citizens: Informed, Engaged, Empowered”. He also said the flow of information is very fast at present, and there are some remarks that the spread of fake news by using modern technologies can tarnish democracy.
The Union Minister said the participation of citizens is very crucial for democracy, and democracy is a form of public government participated by the public, and that their effective participation could turn out democracy in full essence.
He also remarked these people need to have access to relevant information about the country; they need experiences of critical thinking, the young people should have analytical skill which can be developed by knowledge and information from media.
The Union Minister also said the Global Media and Information Literacy Week should be celebrated with regular seminars and educative programmes. He also called for prevention of local or global fake news with correct thoughts, works and attitudes.
Then, media experts discussed the kinds of literacy that should be prioritized in Myanmar, matters to be cautious about using social media and online media, and possible consequences due to the lack of media and information literacy.
Executive Director of Myanmar Book Center and its philanthropic arm the Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation Dr Thant Thaw Kaung, Project Officer of UNESCO Myanmar Project Office Daw Naing Naing Aye and Executive Director of Myanmar ICT Development Organization Daw Htike Htike Aung took part in the discussion.
The Global Media and Information Literacy Week was celebrated from 24 to 31 October, with the educative campaigns on media and information literacy among the public.
MNA
PHOTO: MNA
(Translated by Aung Khin)
