The inaugural ceremony of the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2023 was held on 26 October 2023 at East West University preceded by a colorful rally. Department of Information Studies, East West University and the UNESCO Dhaka Office jointly organized and celebrated this years’ Global MIL Week.  

Dr. Muhammad Ziaulhaq Mamun, Honorable Vice Chancellor (in-charge), East West University, Ms. Huhua Fan, Chief of Education, UNESCO Dhaka Office, and Dr. Dilara Begum, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Information Studies graced the occasion with their presence. The dignitaries emphasized the importance of Media and information literacy particularly in digital spaces around us in their speeches. With an emphasis on this year's topic, "Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda," Ms. Huhua Fan highlighted the need to work with educational institutions to get further into this crucial competency. She also congratulated the Department of Information Studies for arranging this very important global week every year.

Dr. Dilara Begum, the convener of Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023, in her speech, thanked the university authority and UNESCO Dhaka Office for their immense support in organizing this event. Among others Ms. Noore Jannat Proma, Communication and Information Officer, UNESCO; faculty members; students; information professionals; government officials and media personnel were present at that event.  

Focusing on digital spaces in this year's edition of Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023 will give the opportunity to explore paths for strengthening multilateral cooperation with digital platforms and other stakeholders in integrating media and information literacy into policies, operations, and products. It is a major occasion for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards “Media and Information Literacy for All”.

As part of a week-long celebration, this year Department of Information Studies, East West University with the UNESCO Dhaka Office also organized a set of diversified programs including a campaign both on campus and through social media platforms, a workshop for developing skills of students regarding identifying fake news and mitigating hate speech, debate competition related to MIL, seminars etc. It is worth mentioning that the Department of Information Studies, East West University has been celebrating this global event since 2017 uninterruptedly.