This session will offer an interactive discussion on how UNESCO and the EU are working together to uphold the integrity of information in the face of crises – from conflict prevention, response to ongoing crises, and support to post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding efforts. The panel will examine lessons learned from recent joint initiatives, evaluate ongoing efforts to support independent and pluralistic media, counter disinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression, and develop future avenues for enhancing public trust and societal resilience through media and information literacy.
Drawing on global experiences of projects like Social Media 4 Peace; and specific initiatives in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, the session will highlight the transformative potential of coordinated responses to information-related threats. Participants will gain insight into emerging challenges in the digital landscape, as well as innovative tools to protect the flow of credible information in fragile and high-risk environments.
Speakers:
Opening remarks
- Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General of Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO
- Irène Mingasson, Head of Unit, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI.3), European Commission
- Chiara Adamo, Head of Unit, Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic Governance, European Commission
Panel discussion
- Sylvie Coudray, Director, Division for Freedom of Expression and Media Development, UNESCO
- Adeline Hulin, Chief of Unit, Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies Unit, UNESCO
- Angela Minayo, Digital Rights and Policy Porgrams Officer, Article 19 Eastern Africa
- Maksym Dvorovyi, Head of Digital Rights, Digital Security Lab Ukraine (DSLU)
- Paula Gori, Secretary-General and coordinator, European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)
- Shahir Zahine, Founder and Executive Chairperson of Development for Humanitarian Services Afghanistan