On 11 December 2020, at the World Health Organization’s Global Conference on Infodemic Management, the Special Envoy on Information Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viktors Makarovs, shared Latvia’s experience dealing with the COVID-19 infodemic and highlighted the central role of the UN institutions in addressing it.
Makarovs singled out three main strengths Latvia has relied on in addressing misinformation and disinformation related to COVID-19: the critical role of the Latvian media as a trusted source of information and a platform for open public debate; the efforts to conduct well-coordinated, extensive and straightforward communication relying on trusted public health experts; and the critical mindset and awareness of disinformation in Latvian society. He also emphasized the need to seize the opportunity and analyze the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to better prepare for a future crisis, including the importance of promoting media freedom and strengthening media and information literacy.
The Special Envoy also highlighted the unique role of the United Nations in addressing the infodemic as part of a multilateral response to the consequences of COVID-19. He also commended the World Health Organization for its leadership in delivering factual and science-based information on issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of the 3rd Virtual Global World Health Organization Infodemic Management Conference was to highlight the outcomes of a whole-of-society consultation process convened by the World Health Organization. During the six-week-long consultation, stakeholders from all sectors of society – from the UN and other international organizations, health authorities and research community to civil society, media organizations and technology platforms – deliberated on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 infodemic and identified challenges and solutions.
The conference was broadcast live and can be watched again on: https://youtu.be/WZdIkqKyv-Q
To tackle the issue of disinformation related to COVID-19, Latvia initiated a Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the Context of COVID-19issued within the UN system. The statement was supported by 130 UN Member States and two UN observers. As a follow-up to this statement, Latvia together with Australia, France, India and Indonesia organized a side event “Responding to the “Infodemic” – Sharing Best Practice” on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly’s special session on COVID-19.