Kokand Aims to Join UNESCO MIL Cities Initiative

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Representatives of Uzbekistan and UNESCO held an online meeting dedicated to the prospects of Kokand joining the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Cities (MIL Cities) initiative. Dunyo news agency reported the meeting.

The meeting brought together representatives from the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector, Mukhammadrashod Mavlonkulov, advisor to the administration of Kokand, and staff from the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, the UNESCO Office in Tashkent, and the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO.

Representatives of Kokand confirmed their interest in developing cooperation with UNESCO in the field of media and information literacy. In their view, participation in the MIL Cities initiative will provide a systematic framework for work aimed at developing digital skills, the responsible use of information, and the involvement of youth, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, mass media, and local communities.

UNESCO representatives positively assessed the city's aspiration to participate in the initiative, noting that the rich historical and cultural heritage, educational traditions, and active public life of Kokand create favorable conditions for promoting media and information literacy.

During the meeting, it was noted that Kokand possesses the potential to implement modern UNESCO approaches in the development of critical thinking, digital competencies, responsible handling of information, and increasing resilience to disinformation.

One of the key stages of this work will be the preparation of a city Action Plan, which will unite the efforts of local authorities, educational and cultural institutions, libraries, museums, mass media, youth organizations, civil society institutions, and other stakeholders.

The participants paid special attention to an intersectional approach, which allows for the integration of current projects in Kokand in the fields of culture, education, youth policy, tourism, and social development with the international UNESCO agenda on media and information literacy.

The possibilities of utilizing the city's museums, libraries, educational institutions, public spaces, and cultural potential to hold educational and interactive events, primarily targeted at youth, were also discussed.

In addition, the parties reviewed the prospects for Kokand's participation in Global Media and Information Literacy Week, which takes place annually from 24 to 31 October, as well as World Cities Day, celebrated on 31 October.

Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to continue consultations, prepare a city Action Plan, and develop practical cooperation with UNESCO in the field of media and information literacy.