Tag: UNESCO

UNESCO bolsters journalists’ role in fighting disinformation

Stuart Mitchell

Facts are a matter of life and death. We all depend on hard science and reliable information cutting through the noise. And yet, we’re bombarded with false or inaccurate information and questionable science about the virus. Facebook says close to 40 million posts related to COVID-19 had to be flagged for disinformation in March. Over the last month, Twitter had challenged more than 1.5 million users, on spreading false information and displaying “manipulative behaviors.” Close to 18 million scam emails about the coronavirus are being blocked by Google on Gmail each…

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UNESCO provides direct access to online tools on living heritage and its safeguarding

Stuart Mitchell

The educational and knowledge management tools developed by UNESCO are available in open access format and range from capacity building for trainers to data visualization, sustainable development case studies and references for researchers: DIVE into Intangible Cultural Heritage: Using web semantics and graphic visualization, Dive into Intangible Cultural Heritage’ proposes a conceptual and visual navigation through almost 500 elements inscribed on the Lists of the 2003 UNESCO Convention. It explores the different elements across domains, themes, geography and ecosystems, highlighting their profound inter-connections. Capacity building: UNESCO has developed a comprehensive…

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UNESCO provides Ethical Frameworks to COVID-19 Responses

Stuart Mitchell

As the world is responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic, quick decision-making is vital. But it can also become a challenging exercise when ethical questions and sometimes dilemmas arise in a context of emergency where human lives and human dignity are threatened. The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) has stepped up to provide ethical frameworks to decision-makers and frontline professionals in this difficult time. When medical resources are scarce in times of pandemics, what are the criteria for choice and decision-making? In times of national lockdowns, whose dignity…

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UNESCO and UNDP join forces to promote verified information against COVID 19

Stuart Mitchell

The COVID 19 pandemic has a peculiarity that sets it apart it from previous health crisis’s that has plagued the world – the role of social media and its impact on global populations. Powerful digital platforms have the power to circulate valuable information and news updates, in a matter of seconds, throughout the world. Within the same capacity, these tools are also capable of circulating false or misleading content that can threaten the well-being of populations. It is important verify information as soon as possible. With a simple click, sharing…

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UNESCO launches ResiliArt movement in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic

Stuart Mitchell

Cancelled concerts, postponed festivals, delayed album launch and closed cinemas – COVID-19 has hit the cultural and creative industries hard. Still, creative workers find creative solutions. This is why UNESCO calls on all artists and creatives to join the ResiliArt movement. COVID-19 and the cultural and creative industries While billions of people around the world turn to culture as a source of comfort and connection during the COVID-19 crisis, the impact of COVID-19 has not spared the culture sector. More than 80% of UNESCO World Heritage properties have closed down,…

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