CIFEJ and UNESCO

The establishment of CIFEJ was rooted in UNESCO’s broader humanitarian mission to foster peace and mutual understanding through education, culture, and communication. Recognizing the growing power of the moving image as an educational and cultural force, UNESCO supported the creation of an international organization dedicated to promoting screen education for children and youth. From its inception, CIFEJ aimed to encourage the production, exchange, and dissemination of high-quality audiovisual content that would nurture creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among younger generations, while fostering dialogue between peoples through the lens of cinema and visual storytelling.

This founding vision continues to inspire CIFEJ’s work today. In 2025, CIFEJ marked a new era with the relocation of its international headquarters to Athens, Greece, after 14 years of successful activity in Tehran, Iran. This transition has revitalized the organization’s global role and has provided the impetus to strengthen its foundational relationship with UNESCO. A key milestone in this renewed partnership was the 1st International Symposium of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People, held in May 2025. The symposium was not only a celebratory event marking the official inauguration of the new headquarters, but also a platform for dialogue on pressing issues in children’s media. The participation of a UNESCO in the discussions underscored the organization’s continued support and engagement in CIFEJ’s mission. In parallel, CIFEJ has also joined the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance, reaffirming its commitment to promoting access to media education across borders. The Alliance, which seeks to foster international cooperation and advocacy in the field of media and information literacy, aims to ensure that all citizens are equipped with the competencies needed to critically access, evaluate, and create information in the digital age.

Looking forward, CIFEJ envisions expanding its collaborative work with UNESCO through thematic initiatives and project-based synergies focused on media literacy for children and youth. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, it is more crucial than ever to equip younger generations with the skills to navigate, interpret, and contribute to the world of media responsibly and creatively. CIFEJ is actively exploring opportunities for co-developing educational programs, co-hosting international forums, and supporting innovative audiovisual projects that align with UNESCO’s strategic objectives in media and information literacy. Through these future initiatives, CIFEJ aims to serve as a global hub for dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange, ensuring that screen education continues to empower young people as informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens of the world.

Dynamic Participation of EKKOMEΔ and CIFEJ in UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week – CIFEJ