The role of the information industry in the new period is from "information" to "knowledge"

On September 23, in Da Nang , the Ministry of Information and Communications held a joint press conference on the results of the 16th ASEAN Ministers on Information Meeting (AMRI 16) and the 7th ASEAN+3 Ministers on Information Meeting.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam announced the results.

The 16th AMRI Conference was hosted by Vietnam in Da Nang from September 22 to September 23. The overarching theme of AMRI 16 is “Communication: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Adaptive ASEAN”.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam, on behalf of the ASEAN and ASEAN+3 Ministers in charge of Information, announced the main results achieved at the Conference.

The Ministers affirmed and positioned the role of the information industry in the new period from “information” to “knowledge” , information will become an active means for lifelong learning and raising awareness and digital literacy for ASEAN citizens. This is an inevitable trend of digital transformation, the influence of social networks and new media, and the development of artificial intelligence.

The Ministers encouraged greater dialogue and engagement between the media, communities and citizens to promote greater information inclusivity. They called for regional cooperation to build a healthy cyberspace environment through enhancing digital capacity, promoting the maximization of reliable sources of information to build trust, shape public opinion, and enhance digital skills for ASEAN citizens, especially the younger generation and the elderly.

AMRI 16 has achieved many results.

The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information adopted new documents and noted eight outcomes and progress of cooperation frameworks in the information sector, including:

Firstly, through the AMRI Vision Statement “ASEAN 2035: Towards a Transformative, Adaptive, and Resilient Information and Communications Industry” to promote the achievement of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and support the implementation of the respective Plans across the 3 ASEAN Pillars.

The Ministers emphasized addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities arising from rapid digital convergence and transformation beyond 2025. They highlighted the transformative role of media in empowering individuals, communities and societies and moving from passive consumption of information towards active acquisition of knowledge. They also encouraged ASEAN Member States to consider developing a Master Plan on Digital Transformation for Journalism and Media .

Second, through the Da Nang Declaration on “Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsive ASEAN”, which recognizes the pivotal role of the media in contributing to the goal of an informed citizenry, promoting knowledge acquisition as a driving force for a resilient and responsive ASEAN Community, and promoting ASEAN Identity to foster social cohesion and deepen the sense of being part of the region to act in the face of the changing media landscape due to digital transformation.

Third, through the Plan of Action of the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News (PoA of TFFN), which is part of the ongoing efforts of the information industry to institutionalize a regional mechanism to address the rise of asymmetric threats including fake news, disinformation, hate speech, extremist views and extremism.

Fourth, through the Government Information Management Guidelines for Countering Disinformation and Misinformation in the Media to develop a framework for how governments can respond to false or misleading information being disseminated in the media or on social media platforms; establish standards and good practices for government information officers; enhance accuracy and reliability, improve transparency and accountability in government communications; improve coordination among government agencies, especially during times of crisis or emergency; and ensure that government information is transparent and accountable.

Delegates visit exhibition booths at AMRI 16.

Fifth, update and welcome the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Information and Communications (2016-2025) and support the development of a new phase plan to further contribute to the realization of the role of information and communications in promoting a resilient and adaptive ASEAN, in line with the AMRI Vision Statement.

Sixth, approved the outcome reports from the 3 Working Groups under the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) and appreciated the importance of the 3 Working Groups to further develop the information sector in the context of rapid digital transformation as well as promote safe and secure cyberspace for all ASEAN citizens, especially vulnerable groups in society including the elderly, youth, children and persons with disabilities.

Seventh, update and welcome the progress of the ASEAN Communications Master Plan 2018-2025 (ACMP II) in Promoting a Community of Opportunities for All.

Eighth, acknowledge and appreciate the activities/projects of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) focusing on capacity building for the information and communications sector; raising awareness of ASEAN and promoting ASEAN Identity; and supporting ASEAN’s efforts to address human, social and sustainable development issues.

Regarding cooperation with dialogue countries, ASEAN Information Ministers thanked the initiatives of dialogue countries (including China, Japan, and South Korea) to promote cooperation with ASEAN in recent times as well as exchanged views, initiatives, and measures to enhance professional capacity building and technical knowledge with ASEAN+3 countries, ASEAN+China, ASEAN+Japan, and ASEAN+South Korea.

The Meeting agreed to convene the 17th AMRI and Related Meetings in Brunei Darussalam in 2025 and thanked the host country Vietnam for its excellent organization of the 16th AMRI. The Meetings were held in the spirit of ASEAN's traditional solidarity and friendship.

nhandan.vn