Growing up in Belgium, I never imagined that one day I would find myself speaking at the European Parliament. Yet, on the 12th of April, 2024, there I was, representing the BIK Youth Ambassador program at the European Youth Week Kick-off. It was an honor to be invited to speak at the “Check your Facts!” breakout session organized by the EU Parliament and the DG Publication Office, an event aimed at empowering young people with media and data literacy skills to combat disinformation online. 

The session focused on the pressing issue of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, particularly within the context of the upcoming European Elections. I had the opportunity to address the audience during the introductory panel, where I discussed the challenges posed by non-traditional media platforms and the importance of media literacy in navigating the vast landscape of online information. 

Following the panel discussion, the session delved into interactive activities designed to enhance participants' ability to discern between real and fake news, spot AI-generated content, and verify sources online. It was incredible to witness the engagement and enthusiasm of the attendees as they honed their critical thinking skills in real-time and worked together with people around them to answer the questions. 

One of the highlights of the experience was sitting in the Parliament's Hemicycle for the Opening Plenary Session. The grand hall, with its 800 seats for Members of Parliament, served as a fitting backdrop for discussions on the role of young people in shaping the future of Europe. President Roberta Metsola's welcoming address underscored the importance of youth engagement in addressing the challenges of our time, including the digital revolution. 

I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a vital conversation. The commitment of the European Parliament and the EU Publications Office to empowering youth in media literacy and digital citizenship is incredible and shows that it is clear that in today's digital age, equipping young people with the skills to navigate online information responsibly is more crucial than ever. 

 Moving forward, I am inspired to continue advocating for greater media literacy and digital awareness. By working together, we can build a more informed and resilient society. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this incredible opportunity possible. Let's keep striving towards a safer and more transparent digital world for all. 

Diya
BIK Youth Ambassador from Finland