The Challenge: Before you post, forward, or share anything online, pause and verify it with a reliable source. Make fact-checking your first instinct—your one small action can help build a more truthful world.
Why It Matters
In today’s fast-moving digital world, misinformation can spread in seconds — and the damage can last much longer.
- A 2022 study by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) found that misinformation affects over 50% of internet users worldwide, causing confusion and weakening trust in reliable information sources.
(Source: UNESCO – Global Media and Information Literacy Week) - False information spreads six times faster than true information on social media platforms, according to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
(Source: MIT News – False news spreads faster) - According to the World Economic Forum, misinformation is one of the top 10 global risks impacting society and institutions.
(Source: World Economic Forum – Global Risks Report)
Unchecked, misinformation erodes trust in communities, increases social tensions, and threatens the peaceful societies that SDG 16 aims to build.
Bonus: How It Helps You
- Protects your personal reputation: Sharing reliable information builds trust with your friends, family, and colleagues.
- Strengthens your critical thinking skills: Regular fact-checking sharpens your ability to spot misinformation.
- Supports healthy, respectful dialogue: Facts encourage better discussions and stronger communities.
One Simple Action You Can Take
Before sharing any news article, video, or social media post, spend 60 seconds checking if it’s true.
How to do it:
- Search the information using multiple credible sources like well-known international news organizations, academic institutions, or government websites.
- Look for the original source: Reliable information usually cites direct evidence or official statements.
- Cross-verify: If multiple reputable sources report the same facts, it’s more likely to be accurate.
If you can’t verify it — it’s safer not to share.
How This Supports SDG 16
Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions focuses on promoting strong, inclusive societies based on trust, transparency, and accountability.
By fact-checking before sharing, you help build a more informed, resilient, and peaceful world.
Take the Fact-Check Challenge
Spend just 60 seconds fact-checking one post a day before sharing — small habit, huge impact.
Truth travels just as fast when we send it with purpose.
