Disinformation has never been so pervasive in the digital era as it is now. It misrepresents reality, manipulates public opinion, sabotages democratic institutions and threatens social cohesion. It is so crucial that Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is calling on the United Nations to find a viable international solution to disinformation and he is spot on!
The request was made when the delegation led by Susan Vize and Mehdi Benchelah of UNESCO officials met Dr Yunus before the publication of the report by UNDP-UNESCO joint “An Assessment of Bangladesh's Media Landscape: Focusing on Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media.” Amidst such circumstances, the observations made by the Chief Adviser were relevant and strident at the same time. The problem, he said, is not just one of digital platforms or foreign interference, but a dynamic that is also driven by mainstream media and domestic actors. “It’s a relentless bombardment,” he said, noting both the magnitude and the duration of the challenge.
Intercession by the UN in creating a structured and responsible framework against fake news is a loud call to a deep understanding of the complexity of the problem. Government cannot confront disinformation alone. Let us also hold the media responsible. At the same time, we must see the kind of responsible journalism, one that is based on truth and public interest, practised everywhere. The Chief Adviser was justified in asking the UN not to be confined to only engaging the government, include dialogue with the media to inculcate a culture of honesty and accountability.
The message of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is
simple and deep. The war on disinformation is not some
trivial sideshow: It is central to both preserving truth and
protecting freedom and social stability
UNESCO’s response also highlights their commitment to this effort. Susan Vize, also stressed self-regulation and convergence of local standards to international levels. Training for law enforcers, judges and regulators is needed to ensure action against misinformation are rights-compliant and due process is observed. The next report, UNESCO said, provides pragmatic solutions along the lines of this alignment.
What’s more, the report’s consideration of working conditions for journalists, particularly female journalists, further enriches the discussion. As Mehdi Benchelah said, the right to work in a safe and dignified environment is essential for the production of responsible journalism. Governments need to make protecting and empowering journalist a top priority and the role of media must be considered when international bodies such as UNESCO considers reforms.
This conversation highlights a larger truth: disinformation is a global crisis that demands a global response. Its impact knows no geographical boundaries and neither should its solutions. The UN, endowed as it is with a global mandate of its own and unparalleled convening power, is best placed to lead the way in developing a global standard to follow as we monitor, mitigate and manage propaganda. This could involve setting up autonomous, international observatories, backing cross-border fact-checking networks and educating the public to be more media savvy.
The message of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is simple and deep. The war on disinformation is not some trivial sideshow: It is central to both preserving truth and protecting freedom and social stability. Should the United Nations act effectively, it may contribute to a future whose freedom of information empowers, not misleads and where the truth is once more the basis of public life.
