The Department of Information Studies at East West University (EWU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, celebrated Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025, an initiative by UNESCO, under the theme “Minds Over AI – MIL in Digital Spaces.” The celebration reflected EWU’s strong commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, awareness, and community engagement.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape shaped by misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and algorithmic influence, the need for Media and Information Literacy has become more urgent than ever. The event highlighted how MIL empowers youth to think critically, use information responsibly, and contribute positively to society.

Group photo with participants of the panel discussion - GMIL Week 2025
Group photo with participants of the panel discussion – GMIL Week 2025

MIL as a Driver of Sustainable Development

MIL serves as a cornerstone for achieving the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By equipping individuals with the ability to access, evaluate, and ethically use information, MIL fosters inclusive, informed, and democratic societies.

At EWU, the celebration was designed to illustrate how strengthening MIL competencies contributes to sustainable development by promoting critical thinking, digital ethics, and civic engagement among youth. The program featured keynote talks, interactive sessions, and youth dialogues linking MIL with AI awareness, information verification, and responsible digital citizenship.

Theme Focus: “Minds Over AI – MIL in Digital Spaces”The selected theme emphasized the importance of maintaining human judgment, ethics, and critical reasoning in the age of artificial intelligence. With the growing prevalence of AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic bias, the event highlighted how MIL can serve as a safeguard against manipulation in digital environments.

Speakers noted that while AI enhances innovation and efficiency, it also necessitates stronger information discernment. Through panel discussions, debates, and awareness campaigns, participants explored how MIL encourages responsible AI use, strengthens information verification practices, and builds digital resilience—directly supporting the principles of SDG 16.

The celebration at EWU not only reinforced the vital role of MIL in an AI-driven world but also demonstrated how academic institutions can lead in promoting ethical digital literacy for a more equitable and informed society.

Panel discussion on the integration of Media and Information Literacy in higher education
Panel discussion on the integration of Media and Information Literacy in higher education

Contributed by:

Professor Dr. Dilara Begum, Chairperson, Department of Information Studies, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; and

Ashik Rayhan, Lecturer, Department of Information Studies, East West University, Dhaka Bangladesh