The conference is part of the European Digital and Media Literacy Conference week. On 27/02/2024 the Belgian Presidency organises a full conference day for policy makers on the support of influencers and online content creators.
Media literacy matters
The European Digital and Media Literacy Conference in Brussels puts the many faces of digital and media literacy in the European spotlight during the Belgian EU presidency. The conference is focused on showcasing and exchanging initiatives, tools, projects and practices that can be integrated in your own work or policy. Meet and connect with professionals from around the EU and from all policy levels. Let’s strengthen European cooperation and the future of Digital and Media Literacy!
Practical information
Programme and keynotes
Join us on Tuesday evening as we kick off Media Literacy Matters with an engaging keynote that will set the tone for the discussions to come. Don't miss out as we open the doors to a conference filled with thought-provoking conversations and valuable insights.
Start the first full day of this conference with exploring practical strategies and hands-on approaches to effectively tackle disinformation through digital and media literacy. Engage in insightful discussions and workshops that unveil the tools and skills needed to navigate the complex world of online information. Together, we decipher the nuances of media literacy and try to understand how it can empower individuals to become conscious consumers of news and information. Join us as we collectively contribute to building a more media-literate and well-informed society.
Keynote
- Krisztina Stump
Krisztina Stump is Head of the Unit in charge of combatting disinformation at the European Commission. The unit drafted the Commission Guidance on how to strengthen the Code of Practice on Disinformation and accompanied the drafting of the new Code. She is also in charge of various other initiatives fighting the spread of disinformation and strengthening media literacy. Krisztina has held various positions within the European Commission in telecommunications, audiovisual media regulation, media pluralism, copyright and social media policy. Krisztina holds Master of Laws degrees with a focus on Media Law from Columbia Law School (New York) and from Humboldt University (Berlin). She also holds a Master's in Communication and Media Studies from the ELTE University (Budapest).
On Thursday, we explore the pivotal intersection of education and media literacy. Join us for in-depth discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions that navigate us through the diverse landscape of education, all with a singular focus – enhancing digital and media literacy. Delve into conversations that analyse how formal, informal, and non formal educational settings can serve as dynamic platforms for fostering essential media literacy skills. Collectively, we work towards a more media-literate society.
Keynotes
- Brian O’Neill
Brian O’Neill, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Technological University Dublin, is a researcher on digital technologies, e-safety and digital policies related to children and children’s rights. He contributes to the Better Internet for Kids programme for the European Commission. He is also a member of the EU Kids Online Management Group and the Council of Europe’s Digital Citizenship Education Expert Group. He is currently co-chair of Media Literacy Ireland, a cross-media alliance which is facilitated by Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new commission for regulating broadcasters and online media.
- Patrick Verniers
Patrick Verniers is Director of the Higher Council for Media Education (CSEM - Conseil Supérieur de l’Education aux Médias) attached to the Ministry of the Brussels-Wallonia Federation in Belgium. His professional experiences led him to teach media education through the creation and coordination of the first Master's degree in media education at the Institut des Hautes Ecoles des Communications Sociales in Brussels (IHECS) (between 2013 and 2020). Guest lecturer at UCLouvain, he is author and co-author of educational resources specialized in media education, he has extend experiences in training adults, teachers and youth workers.
During 15 years, he was director of a media education resources center in Brussels. Coordinator and initiator of several European and international media education projects and networks, he is a member of the European Commission's media education expert group (MLEG) since 2008 and has carried out several expert missions for the Council of Europe. He participated in the creation of the international association for media education (www.iame.education) for which he is vice-president at the moment.
- Renee Hobbs
Renee Hobbs is an expert on digital and media literacy education. She has authored 12 books and more than 200 scholarly and professional articles and offered professional development programs on four continents. As Founder of the Media Education Lab, she supports a global online community of learners who aim to advance the practice of media literacy education through leadership development, scholarship, and community service. Learn more: www.mediaeducationlab.com
On our final half-day, we invite you to engage in a dialogue that charts the course for the future of media literacy in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Navigate with us through the complexities of a digital future as we envision and shape the path of digital and media literacy for years to come. Through forward-looking discussions, expert panels, and interactive sessions, we'll explore emerging trends, potential challenges, and innovative solutions that will define the future of media literacy. Let’s connect on this concluding day where ideas converge, collaborations blossom, and a collective vision for a digital and media literate society takes shape. Your participation will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of media literacy in the dynamic world of tomorrow.
Keynote
- Dries Depoorter
Dries Depoorter is a Belgium artist working with technology. His catchy and humorous work addresses themes such as privacy, social media, artificial intelligence and surveillance. Among his creations are several products such as apps, games and interactive installations. He studied electronics for six years before making the switch to art school. Today Dries Depoorter is exhibiting and holding talks internationally while working as a freelance concept provider that focuses on digital processes.
This conference is organised by
- Mediawijs - The Flemish Digital and Media Literacy Knowledge Centre
- Dept. CJM - The Flemish Ministry Department of Culture, Youth and Media
- CSEM - Le Conseil Supérieur de L'éducation aux Médias de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
- Media and Learning Association
- Porticus
- Threatpie
- EDMO BELUX
In cooperation with
- EDMOeu
- IAME - The International Association for Media Education
- Média Animation
Supported by
- The Flemish Government
- The EU
- IMEC
This event is co-funded by the European Union. The content of this event represents the views of the organisers and speakers only, and it is their sole responsibility. It cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information presented there.