AMIC Mumbai Declaration

31st AMIC Annual Conference
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University
Mumbai, India | 9–11 October 2025

We, the delegates of the 31st Annual Conference of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), collectively affirm our responsibility to guide Asia’s digital transformation towards an ethical, inclusive, and democratically grounded future.

AMIC reaffirms its commitment to fostering regional collaboration, research, and capacity-building for ethical media and communication practices.

As digital technologies redefine how we live, learn, work, and connect, we recognize both the immense potential and profound challenges of this transformation. The digital revolution must serve humanity.

Our Commitments

Freedom of Expression

We uphold freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and a pillar of democratic societies. In digital spaces, this right must be protected, with safeguards against hate speech, disinformation, and online harm.

Ethics in Digital Communication

AMIC promotes ethical media and communication practices across the region through collaboration, research, and capacity building. As technology evolves, our ethical standards must also advance. We urge media professionals, educators, communicators, and all stakeholders to uphold accountability, transparency, and respect, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment. Asia plays a vital role in shaping a digital future that embodies its diverse cultures, values, and aspirations.

Information Integrity
Information integrity is essential for public trust, content credibility, and democratic participation. We support initiatives that counter disinformation without impacting press freedom and human rights, promote fact-checking, and strengthen media and information literacy across all sectors. We endorse the UNESCO and Government of Brazil initiative on information integrity as a cornerstone of responsible digital transformation.

Digital Literacy for All
Digital literacy is a foundational 21st-century skill. We advocate for inclusive education programs that equip everyone with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate digital environments safely, responsibly, and effectively.

Inclusive Digital Transformation
The benefits of digital technology must be shared equitably. We call for policies and partnerships that bridge the digital divide and empower underserved populations with access, tools, and opportunities. Digital transformation must ensure equitable access to information, upholding the principle that no one is left behind.

Youth Engagement in Digital Futures
Young people are encouraged to play a central role in shaping digital transformation. Their creativity, energy, and digital fluency are vital to building inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystems. Youth-led initiatives and intergenerational collaboration are essential to ensuring that digital futures reflect the aspirations of all.

Sustainable Development and Cultural Preservation

To advance sustainable development and ensure equitable progress, digital transformation must be a strategic enabler, promoting respect for cultural diversity and sensitivity. We urge governments, civil society, and private sector actors to align digital policies and innovations with the sustainable development agenda, preserving and reflecting Asia’s rich cultural heritage in digital content, platforms, and governance frameworks. We advocate for inclusive narratives and culturally aware digital practices, ensuring all benefit from digital advancements.

A Balanced Regulatory Ecosystem
We endorse the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, which promote a multi-stakeholder approach to regulation—combining State Regulation, Self-Regulation, and Co-Regulation. These guidelines offer a roadmap for ensuring transparency, accountability, and human rights in digital governance.

A Call to Action

We urge UNESCO and other global partners to support this declaration to shape Asia’s Digital Future with Integrity and Inclusion. This effort will strengthen regional capacity to govern digital platforms responsibly and inclusively.

Let this declaration be a beacon for all stakeholders to collaboratively build a digital ecosystem that empowers, protects, and uplifts every member of society.

Adopted in Mumbai, India
October 11, 2025