Kyiv, 4 June 2024 – UNDP in Ukraine, with funding from the government of Japan, has supported the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and its "Filter" National Media Literacy Project in developing and presenting the ministry’s strategy on Media Literacy Development until 2026.

The strategy's development began in June 2023 with the first strategic session in Kyiv, involving experts from the civil sector, international organizations, government bodies, and media. This collaborative effort ensured the strategy reflects a broad consensus.

Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandeev noted the importance of joint efforts in creating this strategy: “It’s very important that everyone working to improve media literacy in the country contributed to the creation of this strategy,” he said.

“Together, we identified the main goals and objectives for the coming years, which will help us better respond to current challenges. We’re sincerely grateful to the UNDP in Ukraine and the government of Japan for their support in developing this strategy, as well as to all stakeholders who participated in its creation.”

The strategy serves as a roadmap and conceptual framework for the coming years aimed at strengthening Ukrainian society's resilience to disinformation, promoting responsible media consumption, and enhancing critical thinking and well-being among Ukrainians through informed decision-making.

UNDP in Ukraine Acting Resident Representative Christophoros Politis emphasized the critical role of media literacy in societal resilience and the democratic development of the country: "Media literacy is an integral component of developing a democratic society,” Politis said. “It helps citizens better understand and analyse the information they receive, and make informed decisions. By supporting this strategy, we’re making a significant contribution to enhancing Ukrainian society's resilience to information threats and disinformation.”

The strategy outlines the key issues and challenges affecting media literacy development in Ukraine, highlights the competencies a media-literate person should possess, analyses the state of media literacy development in the country, sets strategic goals for the coming years, and identifies indicators of achievement. Additionally, the strategy defines key implementation principles and target audiences.

The Strategy of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine on Media Literacy Development until 2026 can be accessed via this link.

Background:

In 2023, the UNDP in Ukraine extensively supported the media literacy development efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine’s “Filter” National Media Literacy Project. With UNDP support, the ministry’s project launched the National Media Literacy Lesson, the National Media Literacy Test, and the All-Ukrainian Student Video Contest "Reporter," while also opening media literacy clubs in the regions. These initiatives reached a multi-million Ukrainian audience, strengthening their resilience to disinformation.

For media inquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org