KATHMANDU, MAY 20

A three-day workshop titled "Enhancing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Across Nepal's Youth Organizations" concluded in Kathmandu recently, bringing together 25 representatives from youth-led organizations committed to promoting fact checking, transparency, and digital responsibility.

Organized by Youth Innovation Lab in collaboration with UNESCO, the event focused on equipping youth-led organizations with critical tools to address misinformation, digital insecurity, and ethical considerations for content creation.

The workshop emphasized the growing need for media literacy among young people in light of rising AI-generated content and widespread misinformation. Pradip Khatiwada, Executive Director at Youth Innovation Lab, emphasized the importance of building institutional capacity within youth organizations. "As AI-driven content rises and over 30% of youth rely on social media for news, the line between fact and fiction is increasingly blurred-yet fewer than 17% know about fact-checking platforms. Strengthening media and information literacy is not just essential, it's urgent. By equipping youth with critical thinking and digital skills, we can build a resilient, informed generation for Nepal's future," he stated.

Sessions during the program addressed topics including artificial intelligence in content creation, digital safety, disinformation, and legal frameworks for online accountability. Experts facilitating the sessions included Bijay Kumar Timalsina, Ujjwal Acharya, Deepak Adhikari, Advocates Rukamanee Maharjan and Sushmita Ghimire, and Santosh Chhetri.

UNESCO Nepal Representative Jaco Du Toit, speaking at the opening, emphasized that media and information literacy is no longer optional in the digital age, especially for youth. "Nepal's youth are not just passive consumers of media-they are active leaders of democracy, and digital integrity. This workshop is not just about learning, but about leading with purpose, setting standards, and creating impact," he noted.

Participants presented organizational action plans at the end of the workshop, outlining strategies to integrate MIL into internal training, communications, and community outreach.

In the context of Nepal's rapidly changing digital environment, the workshop provided a practical foundation for youth organizations to strengthen their approaches to information integrity and digital engagement, the organisers said.