Minsk, 18 November. Education Ministry held workshop for personnel employed at institutions of learning whose responsibility is interaction with mass media sources. The topic was: “Information sustainability in education. Operative communications, combating disinformation and responsible media activities in terms of modern challenges.”

In attendance were 100+ specialists and heads from more than 60 establishments (universities and subordinate organizations). Four hours of intense work with experts in media communications, youth policy and personal data protection.

Speakers:

*Nadezhda Shved (National personal data security center) – on legal aspects and data safety.

*Grigory Azarenok (STV) – on media diagnostics and how to cope with disinformation.

*Andrei Lazutkin – (political expert) on forming agenda reputation management.

*Alexander Eliseev amd Oleg Kazeko (Republican youth center) – on young people’s involvement in media environment.

Key takeaways for press services and communications teams:

* Responsiveness – responding to events in real time, especially on TikTok, Telegram, and instant messaging apps.

* Dialogue – communicating directly with journalists: phone, instant messaging, meetings – not template requests and faxed press releases.

* Formats – focusing on videos, stories, and short formats. Key allies – students, media volunteers, and young scientists.

* Agenda – focusing on successes: scientific achievements, international projects, student victories.

* Image – the institution's reputation is a shared responsibility. The personal social media accounts of managers and staff also influence the perception of education as a national priority and our country's brand.

Information literacy is more than a skill. It is the foundation of the sustainability of the entire education system. Being at the forefront of agenda-setting is our shared responsibility.