UNESCO Spearheads Initiative to Combat Online Disinformation While Upholding Freedom of Expression in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has initiated a concerted effort in Pakistan to address the escalating challenge of online disinformation and harmful content, while simultaneously safeguarding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information. This initiative comes at a crucial juncture, as the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, presenting both opportunities and risks to societies worldwide. UNESCO recognizes the delicate balance that must be struck between countering the spread of false information and protecting the fundamental right to free speech.
A key element of this endeavor was a stakeholder consultation organized by UNESCO in Islamabad. The event brought together representatives from government bodies, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, alongside members of civil society, academia, and digital media platforms. This diverse assembly underscores the multi-faceted nature of the challenge and the need for collaborative solutions. The primary objective of the consultation was to foster a conducive environment for open dialogue and the development of effective strategies for governance reforms in the digital media sphere.
Central to the discussions was the imperative to combat disinformation and online harm without infringing upon fundamental rights. Antony Kar Hung Tam, a senior UNESCO official in Islamabad, emphasized the urgency of this task and the shared responsibility it entails. Recognizing the global nature of these challenges, participants highlighted the need for international cooperation and the development of comprehensive frameworks for digital governance. The consultation also served as a platform for the exchange of best practices and the identification of specific regional concerns.
The initiative aligns closely with UNESCO’s recently adopted guidelines for the governance of digital platforms, which underscore the essential role of enabling environments in safeguarding human rights within the digital sphere. These guidelines emphasize the responsibilities of states, digital platforms, and other stakeholders, including civil society, media organizations, and the academic community. The guidelines stress the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, recognizing the complex interplay of actors involved in shaping the online environment.
A significant development within this context is a Pakistan-led resolution adopted by UNESCO’s Executive Board in October 2024. This resolution focuses on countering disinformation while upholding freedom of expression and access to information. It advocates for multi-dimensional responses that are consistent with international human rights law and involve proactive engagement from a range of stakeholders. The resolution underscores the global nature of the disinformation challenge and the need for international cooperation in addressing it effectively.
The Islamabad consultation is part of a broader national effort, preceded by provincial consultations held across Pakistan. These preliminary gatherings facilitated the collection of recommendations from a diverse range of stakeholders regarding the governance of digital media platforms, specifically focusing on internet freedom, human rights, and access to information. The recommendations encompassed increased cooperation among stakeholders, enhanced media and information literacy initiatives, and improved content moderation and curation practices by digital media platforms. These inputs will inform the development of a comprehensive national strategy for addressing online disinformation.
The culmination of these efforts aims to establish a robust framework for addressing the complex challenges posed by the digital age. By fostering dialogue, promoting collaboration, and developing evidence-based strategies, UNESCO and its partners are working to create a digital environment that supports freedom of expression, access to information, and the protection of human rights. This initiative is crucial for fostering a more informed, equitable, and democratic digital society in Pakistan.