Celebrating UNESCO Global MIL Week 2026
24–31 October 2026 | Global Celebration
Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is more important than ever in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, misinformation, online scams and rapidly changing digital technologies.
From 24 to 31 October 2026, UNESCO will once again celebrate Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, the annual international initiative that brings together stakeholders from around the world to promote MIL and raise awareness of its importance in today's information environment.
The 2026 theme, “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People,” highlights that fostering Media and Information Literacy is a shared responsibility. Governments, educational institutions, media organisations, civil society, communities and individuals all have a role to play in building a more informed, critical-thinking and digitally responsible society.
What Is Media and Information Literacy (MIL)?
Media and Information Literacy empowers people to access, understand, question, evaluate, create and share information responsibly.
It helps us to:
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Think critically: Question what we see, read and hear.
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Spot misinformation: Recognise fake news, disinformation and misleading content.
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Understand media and AI: Identify how media, algorithms and AI influence our views.
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Stay safer online: Recognise online scams, hate speech and digital risks.
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Participate responsibly: Create and share information ethically and respectfully.
UNESCO’s Global MIL Alliance
The UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Alliance is a global network connecting over 400 organisations and 200 individual experts across more than 100 countries.
The Alliance promotes international cooperation, shares knowledge and good practices, and strengthens society's resilience to misinformation, disinformation and hate speech. Launched in 2013, it was relaunched with the Cartagena Declaration during Global MIL Week 2025, reinforcing its commitment to advancing MIL in a rapidly changing digital world.
The goal: Empower everyone to become a critical thinker, an informed citizen and a responsible digital participant.
UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2026 brings people and organisations together to promote informed decision-making, critical thinking and responsible digital participation.
NexSchools is Advancing MIL
For the almost 8 years, NexSchools has worked to advance media and information literacy through education, awareness initiatives, training, children's creative expression and community engagement.
Through its Happier and Safer Internet (HSI) initiative, NexSchools connects schools, educators, parents and children to promote critical thinking, responsible digital citizenship and safer online experiences.
Special Focus in 2026: Collective Action Across Asia
A key highlight of Global MIL Week 2026 is the collaborative effort of the Impact Network for Media and Information Literacy Asia (INMILA).
Bringing together organisations from five countries, INMILA members are joining hands to empower communities, advocate for MIL and advance media and information literacy through international cooperation.
Participating organisations include:
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Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF)
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ChildSafeNet
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Media and Information Literacy for ASEAN Network
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SERAC-Bangladesh
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Quick Heal Foundation
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Rajagiri Media
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NexSchools – Happier and Safer Internet (HSI)
Through shared knowledge, collaborative events and community outreach, members aim to strengthen MIL among schools, educators, children, civil society and organisations.
NexSchools Events and Opportunities | Global MIL Week 2026
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No. |
Event / Initiative |
Date / Duration |
Who Can Participate? |
Details |
Call to Action (CTA) |
|
1 |
MIL for School Leaders and Educators — Global MIL Week Awareness Session |
24 October 2026 (Saturday), 5:00–6:00 PM IST |
School leaders and educators |
Online workshop via Facebook Live on the We Are Parents community (32K members). Speakers: Mrs Neeru Mittal, Mrs Vineeta Garg and Mrs Sangeeta Kapoor. Convenor: Ms Mradula Singh. |
Watch the Facebook Live · Event Details |
|
2 |
MIL for Parents – Raising Savvy Digital Natives |
30 October 2026 (Friday), 5:00–6:00 PM IST |
Parents and caregivers |
Webinar via Facebook Live on the We Are Parents community (32K members). Speakers: Mrs Anni Kumar and Dr Chandni Agarwal. Special Guest: Mr Anil Raghuvashi. Convenor: Ms Mradula Singh. |
Join the Facebook Live on the We Are Parents community. |
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3 |
10th Lil Bloggers Contest 2026 |
15 October–15 November 2026 |
Children and young people aged 8–18 years |
A global, free writing contest encouraging creativity, critical thinking, responsible digital expression and young voices. Organised in collaboration with INMILA members. |
Explore the Contest and Register |
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4 |
Happier and Safer Internet (HSI) School Connect Program |
Ongoing initiative |
Schools, school leaders and educators |
Bring media literacy, responsible digital participation and online safety awareness into school communities through practical and engaging initiatives. |
Fill out the form to express your interest.
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5 |
MIL Strengths and Gaps Survey for Schools |
Open for participation |
School leaders and teachers |
Assess existing MIL practices, identify learning gaps and discover opportunities to strengthen media and information literacy in education. Participants can also view their scores. |
Take the MIL Survey |
Join NexSchools in celebrating Global MIL Week 2026! Participate in these initiatives, encourage young voices, strengthen MIL in schools and help build a more informed, responsible and safer digital society.
Join the WhatsApp Community for Schools and Educators
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