Implementing MIL programmes poses several systemic and practical challenges that call for multistakeholder solutions. Commitment from the international community There is a resounding commitment from the international community on the need and continued urgency to advance MIL, most recently reaffirmed in the UN Pact for the Future. However, differing interpretations of MIL’s scope – encompassing digital education, media literacy and digital skills – along with the broad inclusion of various awareness-raising initiatives, have resulted in poor coordination, inconsistent monitoring and a lack of a cohesive strategy. Fragmented MIL programmes Fragmented efforts at monitoring and evaluating MIL programmes, especially in the long term, have reduced capacities to adapt MIL to new risks posed by technological developments and advancements in AI. It is crucial to evaluate how incorporating MIL in formal and non-formal education results in improved capacities to detect mis- and disinformation online, to enhance digital safety and to encourage participation in public discourse. Further, it is essential to set standards, ensuring quality control and adequate oversight of the operations of civil society actors and partner organizations implementing MIL initiatives. National and regional MIL policies It is vital that states develop national/regional MIL- related policies, elaborate strategies to sustain their efforts and allocate sufficient resources to implement MIL. According to a UNESCO Platform of Ibero-American Audiovisual Regulators (PRAI) study, 63% of audiovisual regulatory bodies in Ibero-America reported having a formal framework for action that outlines the importance, benefits and responsibilities related to MIL promotion and dissemination, while only 37% reported having resources or a budget earmarked specifically for actions on MIL.30 In addition, the development and implementation of MIL policies must be carried out in coordination with key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, media, civil society, fact-checking and youth-led organizations and educational institutions. Adaptation and evolving initiatives MIL initiatives must adapt and evolve as the information environment changes. A major barrier to successful MIL implementation is the lack of adequately skilled and trained educators, especially as digital platforms and media landscapes evolve at an unprecedented pace. Further, development of MIL strategies and curricula in the digital age needs to draw from expertise in interdisciplinary fields including education, journalism, psychology and behavioural science, law and policy, computer science and AI and cultural studies. Beyond youth engagement There is a growing need for MIL for adults, especially in the digital age. Given the high drop-out rates in lifelong learning contexts, short modules on MIL, with a focus on practical skills, need to be incorporated into professional training for institutional staff and duty-bearers. In the future, MIL should be a prerequisite for any job, ensuring that individuals in such roles are equipped to navigate, analyse and critically assess information effectively. This approach will promote informed, ethical and transparent decision-making across sectors. Private-sector incentives The private sector often lacks sufficient incentives or regulatory pressure to collaborate in MIL efforts, although many have made investments in MIL on their platforms. It is imperative to work with the private sector and technical community (especially companies working on AI research and development [R&D]) on designing and implementing MIL programmes. This will serve to promote transparency and accountability, which is necessary for empowering users on digital platforms. 1.4 Opportunities, challenges and lessons learned Rethinking Media Literacy: A New Ecosystem Model for Information Integrity 12

Rethinking Media Literacy 2025