Amman: Jordan is taking significant steps towards integrating media literacy into its national curriculum, as confirmed by Zaid Nawaysah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Government Communication. This initiative is backed by Jordan’s highest political leadership, positioning the Ministry as a key entity in executing the media and information literacy project.
According to Jordan News Agency, Nawaysah made these remarks during the 13th Media and Information Literacy Week Conference, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with Jordan’s Ministry of Government Communication. The conference, attended by Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani, showcased Jordan’s efforts in advancing media literacy, involving the Jordan Media Institute, the Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Government Communication.
Nawaysah further explained that a national team, led by the Minister of Government Communication, has been formed. This team includes representatives from various ministries,
the National Center for Curricula, and the Jordan Media Institute, all working together to enhance literacy efforts across the nation.
Highlighting Jordan’s proactive measures, Nawaysah mentioned the “Your Right to Know” platform, which rapidly counters misinformation with verified facts. Social media managers within ministries and universities are on standby to provide accurate information around the clock, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation.
He also spoke about royal directives advocating for a “Law on Access to Information” that empowers citizens to obtain information from within and outside Jordan. This law, unique in the Arab world, ensures access to official information within a maximum of 10 days, thereby reinforcing media and information literacy.
The importance of media literacy is particularly emphasized during times of war and crises, where disinformation campaigns can skew public opinion. Nawaysah noted that narratives related to conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon have also ta
rgeted Jordan’s stance, but through robust media education and a strong social media presence, Jordan has effectively countered such efforts since 2016.
The conference also featured discussions by international figures such as Hania Baytar from Palestine, Faisal Baqir from Sudan, Olha Kravchenko from Ukraine, and Misthy Sablok from India, each highlighting the global importance and challenges of media literacy in their respective regions.