The Declaration on Education for Conscious Engagement
We, the participants in the global process marking the 25th anniversary of the Media Education Centre, affirm that human attention is a precious resource, essential to personal wellbeing, democratic participation, intercultural understanding, and the dignity of every individual.
In a world shaped by digital abundance, algorithmic influences, and information disorders, we recognise that conscious engagement is not merely a skill; it is a civic responsibility and a foundation for peaceful, inclusive societies.
We declare that:
1. Attention is a human right: Every person deserves digital environments that respect their cognitive, emotional, and cultural integrity.
2. Conscious engagement is a core competence: Individuals must be empowered to choose what to engage with, what to disregard, and how to participate ethically and intentionally.
3. Education must evolve: Media and information literacy must include attentional awareness, emotional resilience, and the ability to navigate digital spaces with dignity.
4. Youth are co‑creators of the future: Their voices, creativity, and lived experiences must shape the tools, curricula, and policies of conscious engagement.
5. Communities matter: Intergenerational learning and local action are essential for building resilient, inclusive, and harmonious digital cultures.
6: Partnerships are essential: Governments, educators, civil society, technology actors, and global organisations must collaborate to protect human attention and promote conscious engagement.
7. Dignity is our guiding principle: Every digital interaction should uphold respect, empathy, and the inherent worth of all people.
We commit to advancing Education for Conscious Engagement across countries, cultures, and communities.
We pledge to protect attention, nurture dignity, and build a digital future rooted in humanity, wisdom, and shared responsibility.
