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Abstract

Rapid digitalization, the expansion of social media, and the increasing volume of information flows have made media and information literacy (MIL) an essential component of civic competence. In Uzbekistan, the development of MIL has become a national priority in educational and communication policy, viewed as a key tool for strengthening democratic institutions, countering disinformation, and enhancing social responsibility.

The study conducted in 2025 within the framework of the program “Empowering the Government and Citizens of Uzbekistan by Strengthening Access to Information, Accountability of Institutions and Media Competence” provided a comprehensive analysis of the current state of MIL in Uzbekistan and outlined directions for a future national MIL strategy. Through two rounds of consultations and a multistakeholder workshop held in Tashkent (March 2025), 63 key institutions were engaged, including universities, libraries, media outlets, and others.

The findings revealed both encouraging achievements and systemic challenges. Media and information literacy is still often perceived narrowly as a technical or ICT skill rather than a multidimensional field encompassing critical thinking, digital ethics, information safety, and civic engagement.

The research underscores the crucial role of universities and academic institutions as drivers of transformation. Higher education serves as the foundation for training educators, journalists, and researchers capable of integrating MIL principles into curricula and broader public education. Academic research and publishing on MIL are essential for establishing a national conceptual framework that aligns with Uzbekistan’s cultural context—respect for tradition, intergenerational learning, multiculturalism, and the central role of family.

A particular focus of the study is the experience of establishing the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, founded in 2018 as a specialized national center for training professional media personnel and advancing media research. Over the past seven years, the university has become a key hub for integrating media and information literacy into higher education through updated curricula, teacher retraining, and the introduction of interdisciplinary modules on digital communication, critical media analysis, and ethics. The study also pays particular attention to the academic education and research activities of the University, highlighting its role as a leading national center for journalism training and media development.

Thus, media and information literacy in Uzbekistan is positioned not merely as an educational priority but as a strategic societal reform initiative. It contributes to building a resilient, informed, and critically thinking citizenry capable of navigating complex information ecosystems, promoting civic culture, and strengthening the country’s democratic and developmental aspirations.