Youth-Focused Consultation on Online Information Integrity takes place in Dushanbe

In line with the global consultations process, UN RCO in Tajikistan organized a one-day consultation specifically designed to provide Tajikistan-related challenges, best practice and lessons learned, as well as youth-focused inputs to the proposed principles for information integrity. The event brought together young people from Youth Peer Education Network of Tajikistan (Y-PEER), UNICEF Young People Advisory Group, Teenergizer network, UN Association of Tajikistan, Union of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan and representatives of public organizations.

UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami mentioned in her remarks to participants: "Information integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency and reliability of information. While there are no universally accepted definitions of these terms, UN developed a set of principles and recommendations as an entry point for consultations on the development of a UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms. This voluntary Code in crucial in making the digital space more inclusive and safer for all. It will also support our efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. "

Aims of the consultation were to allow stakeholders to share their perspectives on the proposed principles of information integrity highlighted in UN Secretary-General's Policy Brief on Information Integrity on Digital Platforms and to identify recommendations for developing/implementing these principles effectively, particularly focusing on the principles most relevant to youth and building on the context of Tajikistan.

During the consultation meeting, participants became aware on how the principles of information integrity can be adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by youth and other users of online platforms and incorporated into the UN strategic and analytical documents. As a result of the consultation, a set of recommendations and follow-up actions related to the selected principles most relevant for information integrity on digital platforms were formulated. Suggestions and proposals from the consultation participants were submitted as a part of UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms development process.

Digital platforms are crucial tools that have transformed social, cultural and political interactions everywhere. Across the world, they connect concerned global citizens on issues that matter. Platforms help the United Nations to inform and engage people directly as we strive for peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. The proposed Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms intends to guide Member States, the digital platforms and other stakeholders in their efforts to make the digital space more inclusive and safe for all, while vigorously defending the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to access information.