The U.S. Embassy invites communication professionals to be part of the Information Literacy in the Age of Disruption Hybrid Forum that will be held on October 17 and 18 at Parque La Libertad in Desamparados Canton, San José Province.

This event is implemented with support from the Global Leaders Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and U.S. Embassies.  

The forum, which is organized by the U.S. Digital Communication Network Global and World Learning (DCN), is also open to professionals from civil society, media, governments and academia with interest and expertise in areas such as digital entrepreneurship, combating disinformation, Internet security and governance, digital privacy, social networks, new media, digital citizenship, digital and media literacy, future of the Internet, building digital influence, gaming and gamification, blockchain and Web 3.0.

According to DCN, in the early days of the internet, technologies empowered new voices, provided citizens around the world with greater freedom of expression, opportunities for civil society, education, and political participation. This is still true, especially in places where the Internet is a critical tool in the struggle for freedom.

"However, we’ve seen, in recent years, that these same technologies are now being used to undermine freedoms," said DCN in its statement. "There is bias, manipulation, polarization, disinformation, abusive surveillance, and authoritarian control through digital networks."

The goal of the forum is to improve a digitally interconnected society and the world, based on trust and respect for individual and human rights. "In the age of informational disruptions, only coalitions of professionals can address the multiple challenges to the information system," they added.  

At the forum participants will analyze some issues such as the digital impact on rebuilding trust, defending truth and reshaping influence.

People interested in participating in this forum should fill out a form at the World Learning website. The registration can be completed in English or Spanish. The deadline to apply is August 20th, 2022.  

According to the organization, they will arrange and cover economy-class flights, hotel accommodations in shared rooms with two beds, PCR covid test, meals, and social activities during the event. 

More information on this event can be requested by emailing to Giuliana Johnson, a representative of the organization, at giuliana.johnson@worldlearning.org 

This forum is one of many initiatives by the U.S. in Costa Rica to support education on the safe use of the Internet.  Recently, the U.S. Department of State sponsored a bilingual magazine named "Paper Boat" which was delivered to schoolchildren to teach them how to detect fake news.

  

--------------------

What other activity should the U.S. do to improve the safe use of the internet in Costa Rica?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com