INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UNESCO GLOBAL MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY WEEK
In the Epoch of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, thanks to the indefatigable efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag and under the wise leadership of Esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar, all necessary conditions and opportunities are being created for the youth to acquire modern, world-class education. This state support empowers young people to master foreign languages, utilize advanced digital technologies and advanced info-communication tools, as well as build competitive careers on the international stage. Improving the national education system in accordance with the demands of the times, as well as directing the intellectual and creative potential of the youth toward humane goals for the benefit of all humanity, are among the paramount priorities of the state policy of Turkmenistan.
As is known, our country consistently develops cooperation with international organizations, particularly with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In contemporary geopolitical, economic and digital conditions, ensuring social stability, strengthening peace and maintaining friendly relations among nations stand as crucial tasks for the international community. Aimed specifically at realizing these lofty humanitarian goals, the Global Media and Information Literacy Week is celebrated worldwide under the auspices of UNESCO annually from October 24 to 31. The core essence of this international week lies in strengthening digital cooperation among states, preserving public stability and fostering a culture of peace within the information space. Originating from an international forum held in Fez, Morocco, in 2012, this large-scale event was officially included in the calendar of internationally observed days and weeks by the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019, and subsequently reaffirmed by a special Resolution of the UN General Assembly in March 2021. The global observance of this week has evolved into an international platform for ensuring information reliability, enhancing public media literacy and promoting digital culture. Traditionally held under a specific motto, the 2026 Global Week carries profound meaning under the UNESCO promoted theme: “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People”.
From a scientific perspective, the human intellect represents the highest capacity to comprehend the surrounding environment, analyze information and make complex decisions. In the contemporary digital era, information overload and the spread of misinformation exert a direct impact on human cognitive resilience and mental clarity. Consequently, media and information literacy is not merely a personal skill, but serves as a vital component of international information security and national stability. As embodied in the UNESCO Constitution, the defences of peace must be constructed in the minds of men. In this regard, global projects implemented within the framework of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week such as the MILID Network, UNESCO MIL Alliance, GAPMIL Youth Ambassadors and MIL CLICKS open up vast opportunities for fostering a culture of peace in the digital environment, advancing digital citizenship and strengthening international scientific and educational cooperation.
In this context, UNESCO Chairs and Clubs operating within a number of higher education institutions of our country have organized a series of events dedicated to the Global Media and Information Literacy Week. These initiatives aim to foster media literacy, diplomatic culture, and sustainable development awareness among faculty members and students through the effective utilization of media tools, digital sources and innovative technologies in academic and scientific activities. Specifically, on October 30, 2026, the “Culture of Peace” UNESCO Club of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, jointly with the “Young Journalists” scientific-creative club and the institute’s media group, organized a creative meeting and a large-scale cultural exhibition entitled “International Cooperation in the Media Space and the School of Mentorship”.
At the opening of the creative meeting, event participants toured an exhibition set up in the foyer of the institute’s academic building featuring national dishes, traditional attire of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as creative and media projects prepared by students in their chosen fields of specialization. Afterwards, the creative meeting proceeded with rich and substantive addresses. In her speech, Gulshat Yusupova, the Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, emphasized the importance of elevating the educational standards and media literacy of the youth under the leadership of the Esteemed President, as well as harmoniously integrating national educational practices with UNESCO’s international principles. Bekdurdy Amansaryyev, Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies, shared academic insights regarding key aspects of international media cooperation, digital diplomacy and the analysis of reliable information flows. Poet Gurbanjemal Annakova delivered an inspiring speech on the continuity of mentorship traditions within the realms of journalism and creativity.
The musical performances featured during the celebration imparted a special festive spirit to the event. These organized large-scale scientific and cultural events serve as a vivid testimony to the profound attention devoted in our country to developing the creative and intellectual potential of the youth, as well as opening broad horizons for elevating digital diplomacy and international cooperation to new heights.
Aygozel OVEZOVA,
Senior Lecturer at the Department of World Languages
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan