FactWatch Represents Bangladesh at Global Fact-Checking Summit
The 10th Global Fact-Checking Summit was hosted by Seoul, South Korea, from June 28 to June 30, 2023. The summit brought together fact-checkers, researchers, journalists, and tech enthusiasts from around the world. The objective of the summit was to address the pressing issue of misinformation and explore strategies to promote transparency and accountability in the global information ecosystem. From Bangladesh and on behalf of FactWatch the editor of FactWatch, Professor Dr. Sumon Rahman, and fact-checker Shuvashish Dip attended this global conference.
The summit began with a keynote session titled "An Uphill Battle? Challenges of Fighting Misinformation" Led by Dr. EunRyung Chong, director of the SNU (Seoul National University) FactCheck Center, and members of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) advisory board, the session delved into the cognitive biases that contribute to the spread of misinformation and highlighted the potential and limitations of media literacy interventions and fact-checking efforts.
One of the notable sessions was "How Did We Get Here? Reflecting on 10 Years of GlobalFact" by Bill Adair, the Knight Professor of the Practice of Journalism & Public Policy and creator of the Pulitzer Prize-winning website PolitiFact. Adair shared insights into the evolution of fact-checking and its impact on journalism and public policy over the past decade. This session provided a valuable retrospective on the progress made in combating misinformation.
Another session, "Show and Tell: Bulobús: Traveling Across Spain in a Media Literacy Bus" showcased an innovative approach to promoting media literacy. Attendees learned about Bulobús, a mobile bus equipped with interactive tools and resources that travels across Spain, educating citizens about media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking. The session highlighted the successes and challenges faced by Bulobús in reaching diverse communities.
The session titled "Stitching Together the Threads of Fact-Checking in Korea: Weaving Independence, Trustworthiness, and Collaboration" focused on the development of fact-checking initiatives in South Korea. Speakers emphasized the importance of independence and trustworthiness in fact-checking and highlighted successful collaborations among fact-checkers, media organizations, and other stakeholders. This session shed light on the role of fact-checking in promoting trustworthy information and fostering critical thinking among citizens.
Throughout the summit, attendees participated in breakout sessions that covered a range of important topics. The session "Fact-Checkers Unite: Debunking Election Misinformation Across Borders'' facilitated collaborative discussions among fact-checkers from different countries, enabling the sharing of experiences and strategies to combat election-related misinformation. Another breakout session, "Building Trust - The Power of the Journalism Trust Initiative," explored the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), a project aimed at evaluating news organizations' trustworthiness and enhancing public trust in the media.
A fireside chat with representatives from MediaWise and TikTok publisher education team titled "Building a TikTok Presence" addressed the role of social media platforms in countering misinformation. Attendees gained insights into TikTok's approach to promoting media literacy and countering false information, particularly targeting younger audiences through engaging content. The 10th Global Fact-Checking Summit provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation in the fight against misinformation. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by misinformation and equipped with strategies and best practices to strengthen fact-checking efforts and promote a more informed society. By leveraging the collective power of truth, transparency, and accountability, the summit aimed to bolster the universal information ecosystem and empower citizens worldwide.
