About the International MIL Institute
The Media and Information Literacy Institute (MIL) acts as both an observatory and a clearinghouse in the field of MIL. MIL Institute stands as a global beacon for the advancement of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) worldwide.
——-The Institute functions as a global MIL observatory, a network of institutions and experts, and a centre of excellence, promoting media competencies and intercultural dialogue.
Headquartered at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB, Spain; Gabinete de Comunicación y Educación), with liaison offices at participating institutions and universities worldwide, the MIL Institute serves as a hub for capacity building, research, policy development, and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of MIL.
Operation
The Institute operates through its members, with an inclusive geographical structure comprising regional centres and local offices, representing every continent. Its membership includes signatories from renowned institutions, reflecting its truly global character and influence, such as: Cairo University (Egypt), Western Sydney University (Australia), University of São Paulo (Brazil), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Guadalajara (Mexico), Temple University (USA), Moscow Pedagogical State University (Russia), Punjabi University (India), University of Minho (Portugal), Hosei University (Japan), The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (Egypt), and the McLuhan Foundation (Canada).
The MIL Institute shares the objectives and methodologies of the UNESCO MILID UNITWIN Network and collaborates actively in promoting UNESCO’s values and goals.
Its core functions range from mapping MIL policies and delivering training, to evaluating frameworks and fostering intercultural dialogue. The Institute’s regional and local centres, hosted by prestigious universities worldwide, drive initiatives that are both locally relevant and globally informed, ensuring MIL principles resonate across diverse cultural and educational contexts.
It arose from the collaborative vision of members of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) UNITWIN Network and represents the culmination of a rigorous feasibility study conducted by leading international experts, with the support of UNESCO.
This transformative initiative was consolidated through an understanding among universities, research centres, university professors and researchers, and specialists within the UNESCO MILID Network and beyond, paving the way for a vibrant, interconnected global MIL community.
As a centre of excellence, the Institute is committed to promoting MIL research, strengthening global networks, advising policies and enhancing research capacities, fostering master and doctoral studies and training.
The International MIL Institute exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation, shaping a more informed, inclusive, and media-literate world.
Directorate
Dr. José Manuel Pérez Tornero
Emeritus Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) of the UNESCO Chair on Media and Information Literacy and Quality Journalism. Coordinator of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Cooperation Program. Former President of Spanish Public Radio and Television (RTVE).
He holds the title of Doctor honoris causa from Aix-Marseille University and is a full professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. A journalist and media expert, he is recognized as one of the pioneers of media literacy in Europe.As a member of the EU High-Level Group of Experts on Media Literacy, he led studies that facilitated the integration of media literacy as a key objective in European legislation. He also served as a former member of the Board of Directors of the European Broadcasting Union and president of COPEAM. He has authored numerous books, including Humanism and Media Literacy, Educational Television, and his most recent work, The Great Mediatization. In this latest book, he highlights the threats posed by the “digital tsunami” to personal autonomy and freedoms, advocating for critical thinking and the adoption of effective media policies to protect individual liberties.
Dr. Samy Tayie
Professor at the Faculty of Mass Communication of Cairo University, Egypt. He also acts as a visiting professor at UAB, Spain. He received his first degrees from Cairo University and his PhDs from Leicester University, UK. and la Sorbonne, France.
His main areas of interest include media and information literacy, social marketing, new communication technology and media research methods. He has published a few books on media research methods, media education, advertising and public relations. He has also published a few articles on different areas of mass communication. He supervised more than 80 MA and PhD theses. He organized and participated in many international meetings in the Middle East, Europe and the United States. He also worked for some regional and international organizations including the United Nations. He is also Lead of Arab States Chapter of UNESCO’s MIL Alliance.
