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In Mongolia, the digital realm and social media platforms have become central points of information dissemination and crucial catalysts for shaping public sentiment. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities this presents, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� emerged as a key actor in promoting Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a cornerstone of national development. 

Since 2018, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� actively supported Mongolia in this endeavor. This includes the development of comprehensive and tailored national policy and curricula on MIL education, and the organization of capacity-building training programmes for stakeholders. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, reaffirmed this commitment in his video message at the 5^th National MIL Stakeholder Forum. He stated “by promoting media and information literacy in Mongolia through various projects and activities, we can enhance citizens’ capacity to participate fully in civic life, promote dialogue, and foster social cohesion.” 

Technology has connected us more closely than ever yet it also presents us with a set of challenges that requires our collective attention. “Given the fact that people widely engage in online activities every day, it is imperative to establish and provide them with comprehensive guidelines”, emphasized Ms. D. Tungalag, General Coordinator at All for Education NGO. 

Navigating the endless amount of accessible media information goes along with various challenges for Mongolian citizens, including the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. Moreover, safeguarding one’s online identity and making informed decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape pose as obstacles that need to be overcome.

The 5^th National Stakeholder Forum on MIL, co-organized by UNESCO, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and the Press Institute of Mongolia, addressed these pressing issues.  The forum's theme, "Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda” underscored the international urgency of promoting responsible digital citizenship. 

Compared to the 1^st National Stakeholder Forum on MIL organized in Mongolia in 2019, the digital landscape has shifted. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms are no longer expendable, but have grown into a fundamental aspect of individuals' everyday lives. Adapting to this new reality, the world has recognized the inseparability of digital usage from daily life. In this context of profound global change, the forum has emerged as a catalyst for transformative progress in Mongolia, empowering citizens to navigate the intricacies of the digital age.

The forum has consistently provided relevant stakeholders such as Mongolian citizens, the government, non-governmental, international and youth organizations, and the private sector with an opportunity to discuss, cooperate, and gain insights into MIL, how it evolves in digital spaces as well as UNESCO’s work in this field. Over 100 participants attended the 5^th National Stakeholder Forum. Together, these stakeholders developed plans for increasing MIL among Mongolian citizens and examined approaches for involving different parts of society. Mr. V. Lut-Ochir Head of the Digital Literacy and Competency Department at E-Mongolia, emphasized the evolving role of the MIL National Stakeholders Forum: "Throughout my involvement in this forum, whether as a participant, panelist, or moderator, I have significantly enhanced my comprehension and expertise in MIL. By learning and sharing valuable experiences during the forum, I have been able to enhance the quality of my professional training sessions and activities."

The journey from 2019 to 2023 reveals a nation actively engaged in the pursuit of media and information literacy. Over the years, hundreds of educators, media professionals, and youth organizations have benefited from training and professional development opportunities to enhance their MIL capacity, and multiple media organizations have integrated MIL components into their policies and practices.

The MIL National Stakeholder Forum has emerged as a driving force, fostering communication and collaboration between participants, sharing knowledge, as well as empowering citizens to navigate the complexities of the digital age by actively working on promoting MIL.