Latest news with #UNESCO
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Selling misinformation
Listen to article I was riding my bike, crossing an underpass, when I saw a man struggling to walk with a polio-affected leg. He gestured for a ride, and I stopped to help. As he settled on the seat behind me, I casually asked, "What happened to your leg?" He sighed and replied, "It is because of polio. When I was a child, my parents refused to get me vaccinated. They believed the polio vaccine was haram (forbidden) in Islam, and they had other excuses too — saying it was part of some conspiracy or that it would make me infertile." His words stayed in my mind. A life-changing disability, not by fate but by false information. This is the world we live in today. Influencers, not journalists, are shaping public discourse, and where truth competes with virality, engagement and profit-driven disinformation. The rise of digital content creators has fundamentally changed the way Pakistanis consume information, but not always for the better. Social media was supposed to democratise access to information, but instead, it has weaponised misinformation and disinformation, often at the cost of public health, democracy and social harmony. Unlike trained journalists who work under editorial scrutiny, influencers operate with zero accountability. They claim expertise on everything from politics to vaccines and yet, a majority of them do not verify their content before posting. A recent UNESCO report on digital content creators found that 42% of influencers determine credibility based on engagement rather than verification. The study also revealed that 59% of them have little or no knowledge of regulations on digital communication. In short, they are influencing millions without any understanding of the responsibility that comes with it. Pakistan has already witnessed the deadly consequences of information disorder. The tragic lynching of Mashal Khan in 2017, fueled by false blasphemy accusations on social media, was a scary reminder of how a single unchecked narrative can destroy a life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news about vaccine side effects undermined national immunisation efforts, delaying progress in combating the virus. Political misinformation, especially during elections, has fueled distrust and unrest. Influencers tied to interest groups amplify such narratives to boost engagement, weakening public trust in democratic institutions. A question arises. Why do they do it? The answer is simple: misinformation is profitable. Social media rewards controversy and outrage. The more sensational content, the more engagement it attracts. And engagement equals money, whether through brand endorsements, YouTube monetization or political sponsorships. The UNESCO study found that 52% of influencers create sponsored content, but nearly half fail to disclose their funding sources. This raises a critical ethical dilemma: are they shaping public opinion independently, or are they merely puppets for those who pay them? Countering this growing crisis requires more than just calling out fake news. The UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms emphasise the need for transparency, accountability and digital literacy. Pakistan must enforce stricter policies on algorithmic accountability, ensuring that platforms disclose how they amplify misinformation. Fact-checking institutions must be strengthened, and media literacy programmes integrated into education curricula. Most importantly, Right to Information (RTI) laws must be fully enforced, ensuring proactive disclosure of certified information to minimise reliance on unreliable sources. But while regulating misinformation is essential, Pakistan's latest approach to countering fake news is deeply flawed and dangerously authoritarian. Instead of addressing digital literacy and algorithmic responsibility, the government has introduced draconian amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), criminalising "false and fake information" with penalties of up to three years in prison. At first glance, a law targeting disinformation may seem necessary. After all, misinformation is a serious problem. But who decides what is "fake" news? The state now claims the power to determine the truth; and in a country where press freedom is already under threat, this law is a clear attempt to silence dissent rather than counter disinformation. The PECA amendment expands the definition of a complainant, allowing government institutions and corporations to file cases against journalists and citizens alike. This means any critical reporting on the government or judiciary could be deemed "false" and punished. It further establishes a social media Regulatory Authority with unchecked powers, making the government both the judge and the jury in matters of digital content. Such broad definitions are ripe for abuse. Under this law, a journalist reporting on corruption or human rights violations could be jailed if the government deems the information "misleading". A citizen tweeting about inflation, censorship or political repression could face criminal charges if their post considered as "causes unrest". This is not about countering fake news; it is about controlling the narrative. History has repeatedly shown that censorship does not tackle misinformation. The answer to fake news is not imprisonment but education, transparency and effective fact-checking mechanisms. Instead of silencing journalists and citizens, Pakistan must hold social media platforms accountable for their role in amplifying disinformation. Instead of silencing voices, we need to invest in media literacy programmes to empower people to distinguish fact from fiction. The digital battlefield is real, and Pakistan stands at a crossroads. Do we fight fake news through education and regulation of tech platforms, or do we surrender to state-controlled truth? The future of our democracy, governance and freedom of expression depends on this choice.
Ya Biladi
2 hours ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UM6P UNESCO and OCP launch 6 million dollar platform for African development
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), in partnership with UNESCO and the OCP Foundation, is launching a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing development agendas with a strong focus on Africa. Announced on July 18 in Benguerir, this initiative comes with a financial commitment of $6 million and marks a tripartite collaboration for 2025-2027. It aims to «consolidate an alliance rooted in a shared determination to address African issues collaboratively». The initiative seeks to «develop projects where education, science, technology, and cultural heritage are integrated as collaborative tools for endogenous, sustainable, and sovereign development», according to an official statement. It is designed to foster «a cooperative dynamic centered around shared values: long-term investment in knowledge systems, the pivotal role of higher education, the enhancement of cultural resources, and the significance of innovation grounded in local realities». In the realm of higher education, the program aims to promote «cross-border academic mobility, joint research production, and the development of academic ecosystems that are less reliant on imported models of excellence». The statement adds that «scholarship schemes, mobility programs, and joint supervision of research projects will be facilitated through Campus Africa, a platform created by UNESCO to foster horizontal collaboration among African universities». Additionally, the initiative seeks to enable «the circulation of talents, knowledge, and educational practices, with the aim of strengthening capacities that are institutionally embedded regionally and connected globally». In the same vein, the Maou'root initiative for cultural heritage «aims to establish a pan-African network of heritage conservation professionals», promoting «community and interdisciplinary models» through targeted training.
DW
3 hours ago
- DW
Vietnam: Tourist boat capsizes, killing dozens – DW – 07/19/2025
A sudden storm in northern Vietnam's famous Ha Long Bay tipped the vessel. Children were among the victims. A tourist boat in Vietnam capsized on Saturday, leaving 34 people dead and several others missing. The vessel was carrying 53 people, when it capsized while doing a tour of northern Vietnam's famous Ha Long Bay. Most of the passengers were tourists from the capital Hanoi, local media said. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans over 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles). It is filled with nearly 2,000 islands and islets and is considered one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. The vessel, dubbed Wonder Sea, was carrying 48 tourists and five crew members at the time of the capsizing, including families with children, VNExpress news outlet reported. Sudden stormy weather landed in Ha Long Bay, with heavy rain and strong winds that appear to have caused the Wonder Sea to overturn. There were "hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning", Ha Long Bay office worker Tran Trong Hung told the French AFP news agency. Rescuers recovered 34 bodies on site. Some 11 people were rescued, while eight are still missing. Among those confirmed dead were eight children, VNExpress reported. The news outlet said a 14-year-old boy was among the survivors. He was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull. Authorities would "investigate and clarify the cause of the incident and strictly handle violations", a statement on the government website said. Rescue efforts were set to continue into the night to find the missing.
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P, UNESCO, OCP Join Forces for Africa's Development with $6 Million Initiative
Rabat — University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), UNESCO, and the OCP Foundation have launched an ambitious $6 million partnership, aiming to transform education, technology, and cultural preservation across the African continent. Over a three-year collaboration running from 2025 to 2027, the initiative brings together Morocco's leading polytechnic university, the UN's cultural agency, and one of Africa's largest foundations to address development challenges on the continent. Mostapha Terrab, OCP Group's Chairman, and Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director-General, signed the agreement on July 18 in Benguerir, marking a new chapter in their eight-year partnership that began in 2017. The partnership focuses on five key areas designed to strengthen African capacity across multiple sectors, and aims to help the continent come up with solutions adapted to its context. One component of the partnership is to operationalize the Rabat African Consensus on AI, an agreement the parties made during inaugural high-level forum on AI in Morocco that was held early last month. Specifically, the partners will create create programs aimed to help African countries use artificial intelligence in government services while maintaining their technological sovereignty. The partners will also promote cross-border academic collaboration through UNESCO's Campus Africa platform, offering scholarships and research exchanges. The partnership is also designed to integrate African history into university curricula. To that end, multilingual materials and heritage conservation networks will be put in place to preserve both physical sites and traditional practices. Additionally, the initiative will test ecosystem restoration projects in African protected areas that combine environmental conservation with economic opportunities for local communities. This joint-agreement serves as 'a catalyst' for African development, Terrab said, adding that AI will function as 'a powerful lever for heritage enhancement, innovation, and empowerment.' The comprehensive approach aims to reduce African institutions' dependence on foreign models while building locally-driven solutions across education, technology, culture, and environmental sectors. Meanwhile, Azoulay pointed out Africa's central role in the organization's mission, saying: 'We are strengthening our partnership with the OCP Foundation and the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic for the coming years by investing in knowledge, communities, and territories.' The collaboration marks a shift away from one-size-fits-all development approaches. Instead, the partners have developed a flexible system that can adapt to various regions and challenges across the African continent. Since 2017, UM6P, UNESCO, and the OCP Foundation have worked together on various projects, guided by shared values including long-term investment in education, cultural preservation, and innovation that fits local contexts. Tags: Africa's developmentOCP MoroccoUM6PUNESCO
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
6 fascinating facts about the most populated continent in the world
Asia is known to be the world's most populous continent on Earth, with nearly 62.18% of the world's population. It is also considered that Asia's population is larger than the combined population of the other continents. Asia is not just the largest in population, the diversity of culture and heritage that is present in this continent cannot be found in others. Asia's population China and India, both of the countries are located in Asia and are considered as the world's most populated countries, standing at 1.4 billion. Asia not only consists of the most populated countries but also of the smallest countries like Maldives and Brunei. Extreme demographic population Asia also has a varied demographic population where Afghanistan has a majority in the young population, while Japan mainly has an aged population, around 49 years of age. This also creates problems in the social and economic sector of the countries. Countries like India and Philippines have a large working population, whereas Japan and South Korea face problems in this aspect as they have a rapidly aging population and low birth rates. Birthplace for cultural diversity Asia is considered to be a birthplace where all major world religions exist like Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and many more. It also has great diversity in languages which reflects the continent's culture and traditions. Asia and Pacific have 297 sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from temples to natural landscapes depicting the rich cultural heritage of Asia. Earliest civilization In this continent, there are reports that humanity's earliest civilizations arose here. The Indus Valley Civilization in India showed signs of urban development, with planned cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Asia's lands had witnessed some of the first cities, writing systems, mathematics and science, shaping global civilization. Economy and technology Asia also contributes greatly to the global economy. Here, you can find the world's largest economies like China, Japan and India. Asia has a growing influence in world trade, investment and development. It contributes roughly 57% to the GDP growth. This continent has also adopted various advanced technologies. Countries like Japan and South Korea have made great developments in the fields of robotics and electronics manufacturing. Hub for biodiversity Asia has a great range of biodiversity from Arctic tundra to tropical forests. The Asia-Pacific region contains 17 of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots. It has rainforests, the Himalayas and Eastern Himalayas. In recent years, Asia has taken a hit on its biodiversity. Rapid development and pollution and increasing population have led to great habitat loss. Asia will mainly face issues in the environmental sector in a few years, as it has the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world along with air pollution and deforestation. Asia provides shelter to a wide range of fascinating wildlife, from the majestic snow leopards in the Himalayas to the world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra in Southeast Asia. (Image Credits: Canva)
