Worldwide Fact-Checking Experts Gather in Nizhny Novgorod to Strategize Against Disinformation at the Global Youth Festival, Spanning Locations from Lisbon to Jakarta and Continents Including Africa and Latin America
In Nizhny Novgorod, a global gathering of experts is underway, aiming to combat borderless misinformation at the World Youth Festival. The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) has sent its specialists to tackle this pressing issue, with no specific information available on who exactly is participating.
The event is not limited to a single focus, with various sessions and discussions taking place. One of the key topics is "Media Literacy Without Borders," where methods of fact-checking are being shared among participants. This session is being conducted to equip people with the necessary skills to analyse information critically.
Mantula Nqombolo, a South African media specialist, is one of the speakers at this event. He emphasized the importance of trust as currency in media, arguing that fact-checking is a profitable investment for any media outlet. Nqombolo also spoke at the case session "Story Revolution: How to Break Through Information Noise" by the African Initiative news agency.
Orlenis Ortiz, a Venezuelan specialist, is another participant sharing practices of reducing polarization through fact-checking. Meanwhile, Fauzan Al-Rashid, an Indonesian producer, discusses how to catch fakes in the digital age, highlighting the importance of recognizing cognitive biases.
Ethics and impartiality are emphasized as the foundation of any fact-check. Alexandre Guerreiro, a Portuguese expert, raises the question of where the line is drawn between freedom of speech and protecting society from lies.
Mantula Nqombolo also participated in the "Master of New Media" educational course for 50 foreign bloggers. While the speakers for this programme are not yet specified, a lecture on false narratives of the EU has already been held, and a session on the role of deepfakes by cybersecurity specialist Lily Ong is upcoming.
In addition to these discussions, Mantula Nqombolo discussed how educational projects are changing the media landscape in Africa. He explained how these projects are essential in shaping a more informed and critical public.
The World Youth Festival in Nizhny Novgorod is proving to be a significant platform for discussions on media literacy, fact-checking, and combating misinformation. As the event continues, more insights and practices are expected to be shared, empowering participants to navigate the information landscape with greater confidence and accuracy.
