Session
IFLA
Maria Fernanda De Brasdefer, IFLA, Policy & Research Officer on Digital Affairs - Civil Society, GRULAC (on-site) Stephen Wyber, IFLA, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Civil Society, WEOG (on-site)
Eman Bushulaibi, Director Sharjah Public Libraries, IFLA MENA Regional Division Committee, MENA Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist, UNESCO-Information For All Programme (IFAP), WEOG Yaroslava Shoshynska, Deputy Director, Ukrainian Library Association (ULA), EEG Elizabeth Hume, Executive Director, Alliance for Peacebuilding, NA
4. Quality Education
4.4
4.5
10. Reduced Inequalities
10.2
10.6
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.10
16.3
16.7
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: SDG 4, 4.4,4.5 - Digital literacy enables access to educational resources and empowers individuals to engage in continuous learning processes. SDG 10, 10.2, 10.6 - The session addresses digital divides an inequalities by promoting equitable access to digital tools and knowledge for all SDG 16, 16.3, 16.7, 16.10 - The development of digital literacy skills plays a crucial role in fostering informed citizenship that promotes dialogue and combats misinformation. This will contribute to building peaceful and inclusive societies. SDG 17 - Showcases examples of successful partnerships to promote similar approaches.
Classroom
Short presentations will be given by the panelists at the beginning of the session, accompanied by some questions from the moderator. The presentations will include case studies and reflections on the challenges, impact and good practices experienced during those interventions. The case of a digital literacy intervention will also be presented by the Ukrainian Library Association to discuss effective strategies for similar approaches during conflict. We will maximize time for exchange during the last 20-25 minutes of the session.
Amidst conflicting narratives and polarizing discourse, the current digital information landscape is characterized by the proliferation of misinformation and unequal access to information that continue to exacerbate the digital divides. As a consequence, this session will underscore the significance of fostering digital literacy and digital skills development in order to cultivate a people-centered digital ecosystem that nurtures global peace. This session will draw from examples that showcase the types of roles that digital literacy interventions are currently playing in peacebuilding processes and how do these contribute to ensure that the Internet fulfils its potential to inform everyone and create the conditions for the fulfilment of development goals. Speakers will present case studies that will provide an overview of current initiatives at the intersection of digital literacy, freedom of access to information, peacebuilding and human rights. One of the key objectives of the session will be to discuss best ways of promoting partnerships for the above common goals and to exchange with the audience in order to develop a list of key ideas and recommendations for broader Internet governance stakeholders. The session will also look and discuss effective partnership strategies for mobilizing the 2.5 million global library network for digital literacy and digital inclusion to promote better citizenship through digital means. It will also expand of the types of policies that may enhance collaboration for these practices.
1. The online moderator will help setting up the call with the online speakers (2) and will ensure they are on time for the session. A test will be run before the session to guarantee the quality/speed of the connection. 2. We aim to keep the session interactive and leave space for questions during and after the sessions. We would also like to invite the audience to share similar cases, interventions or practices as well as personal recommendations for the promotion of partnerships in this context. 3. Mentimeter
Report
Key takeaways
1) While ensuring essentials like housing, food, clothing and others during conflict is vital, digital connectivity and infrastructure has also become of great importance in conflict affected places as they allow people to connect with loved ones, to connect with the world and their local community, to continue their education and to eventually access employment and learning opportunities if they find themselves displaced - Knowing how to access reliable information can also enable individuals to facilitate aid coordination which is crucial in high-risk environments.
2) Individuals need access to accurate information and the skills to be able to counter propaganda common in such scenarios - Conflict zones often experience a surge in misinformation propaganda and manipulated narratives. Digital literacy interventions may help citizens critically evaluate online content, identify credible sources and avoid falling victims to disinformation campaigns. This may empower them to make informed decisions about their safety, well-being and participation in the rebuilding of their environment.
3) Libraries in conflict affected areas play a crucial role in supporting their communities - They often serve as neutral, safe spaces, where individuals can access accurate and verified information. They might also contribute to community cohesion and provide a space for the development and support of economic resilience and psycho-social support. They may introduce digital skills training that enables conflict-affected individuals to engage in remote work, online learning or e-commerce, fostering economic recovery.
Additionally, they may also provide access to digital mental health resources.
Calls to action
1. Prioritize funding and infrastructure development for libraries in conflict zones
Stakeholders including policymakers, organizations and the private sector, must collaborate to allocate resources for equipping libraries in conflict-affected areas with digital tools, reliable Internet access and training for library staff. Libraries must be empowered to provide safe spaces where individuals can find not only shelter but also can access verified information, communicate with loved ones, and access humanitarian resources. Investing in such infrastructure will strengthen community resilience and ensure continuity of support during crises.
2. Develop policies to integrate libraries into humanitarian and digital inclusion strategies
The session calls stakeholders, including Internet providers and technology companies to work with policymakers and national library associations to recognize libraries as critical partners in digital inclusion and humanitarian efforts. Policies should integrate libraries into emergency response frameworks, support digital literacy initiatives, and ensure libraries are prioritized as hubs for economic recovery and psycho-social support. This requires multi-sectoral collaboration to address infrastructure gaps and foster sustainable development in conflict-affected regions.