PARIS, July 13. /Dunyo IA/.  An online meeting was held to discuss the accession of the city of Kokand to the UNESCO “Media and Information Literacy Cities” initiative, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Meeting was attended by Alton Grizzle, representative of the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector; Muhammadrashod Mavlonkulov, Advisor to the Khokimiyat of Kokand; Uktam Zhuraev, official of the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO; Bakhrom Radjabov, representative of the UNESCO Office in Tashkent; as well as officials from the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO.

During the meeting, representatives of Kokand expressed strong interest in developing cooperation with UNESCO in the field of media and information literacy. It was noted that Kokand, which possesses a rich historical, cultural, educational, and social potential, views the “MIL Cities” initiative as an opportunity to systematize its efforts in developing digital skills, fostering the responsible use of information, and engaging youth, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, mass media and local communities.

UNESCO representatives noted Kokand's interest in developing cooperation within the “MIL Cities” initiative, emphasizing that the city's rich historical and cultural heritage, educational traditions and active community life provide a solid foundation for promoting media and information literacy at the local level.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Kokand possesses significant potential to become an active urban platform for implementing modern UNESCO approaches to critical thinking, digital skills, responsible information consumption, and resilience to disinformation. In this context, particular importance is attached to drafting a municipal Action Plan, which will unite the efforts of the khokimiyat, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, media, youth organizations, families, civil society and other stakeholders.

UNESCO emphasized the importance of an intersectional approach, which allows linking the initiatives already being implemented in Kokand across culture, education, youth policy, tourism and community development with the broader international agenda on media and information literacy.

Special attention was paid to the possibilities of leveraging Kokand’s unique cultural profile, its museums, libraries, educational institutions, public spaces, and creative potential to host educational, interactive and cultural events. Such an approach, as noted during the meeting, will make the topic of media and information literacy more accessible and relatable to various segments of the population, particularly the youth.

The parties also discussed the prospects of Kokand’s participation in the events of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, held annually on October 24–31, as well as the World Cities Day on October 31. Participation in these initiatives could serve as an important practical step toward further strengthening cooperation between Kokand and UNESCO.

Following the meeting, mutual readiness was expressed to continue consultations and jointly elaborate on the next steps, including drafting the municipal Action Plan, identifying partners and developing practical interaction in the field of media and information literacy.