This year's International Youth Day
focuses on “Youth and Mental Health”, under the motto, “Mental Health Matters”.
On this occasion of International Youth Day 2014, the Global Alliance for
Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) salutes young people
around the world and reiterates the importance of MIL in the development of
youth.
MIL can be a catalyst for raising
awareness about the difficulties facing young people, including such issues as
cyber bullying and discrimination, and their potential negative effects such as
depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and low esteem.
The mental health of young people
truly does matter, and we urge all MIL enthusiasts around the world to use the
occasion of the International Youth Day to help young people achieve their full
potential and highlight the role of MIL in this regard.
At the level of GAPMIL, we shall
continue to pursue programmes and initiatives that put the health and
well-being of young people on the forefront of global discourse.
The Global Alliance for
Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) is committed to
supporting children and youth in their efforts to engage in meaningful
participation in our world which is driven by information, media and
technology. Media and information literacy (MIL) is concerned with developing
citizens’ critical understanding of information and media, as well as the roles
these play in all aspects of their daily lives and in society as a whole.
MIL is also concerned with
supporting young people to become active citizens as they navigate the plethora
of information and media messages that they encounter, and as they explore the
potential positive and negative aspects of information and media content.
The type of information we access,
whether through electronic media, Internet, books, or face-to-face interactions
can influence our behavior, the way we see ourselves and others. Media and
information literacy competencies and access to media and information
technology are all important to ensure children’s and youth’s
full-fledged development and participation in inclusive, just and healthy
societies.
Note:
GAPMIL was launched in June 2013 in
Abuja, Nigeria, by UNESCO, UNAOC, and other partners, during the Global Forum
for Partnerships on MIL, incorporating the International Conference on MIL and
Intercultural Dialogue.
It aims to promote media and
information literacy (MIL) as a means to open and inclusive development. For
more information on GAPMIL, please visit: http://www.unesco.org/new/.../gapmil_framework_and_action_plan
Signed
GAPMIL, International Steering
Committee
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