Syed Nazakat, Founder and CEO of DataLEADS, has received the 2026 Marieli Rowe Innovation in Media Literacy Education Award from the International Council for Media Literacy. Presented virtually in Rome, the honour recognises his pioneering work in advancing media literacy and digital safety, expanding access and relevance in today’s complex digital landscape.
In a significant recognition of India’s growing leadership in the global media literacy movement, Syed Nazakat, Founder and CEO of DataLEADS, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Marieli Rowe Innovation in Media Literacy Education Award. The honour, conferred virtually by the International Council for Media Literacy (IC4ML) during its ceremony in Rome on 4 June, celebrates Nazakat’s pioneering efforts to advance media literacy and digital safety at scale.
The award is one of the few international distinctions dedicated exclusively to innovation in media and information literacy education. It acknowledges transformative initiatives that expand the reach, impact, and relevance of media literacy in an era where information ecosystems are increasingly complex, fragmented, and vulnerable to manipulation. Nazakat’s work through DataLEADS has been instrumental in building capacity across diverse communities, enabling citizens to critically evaluate information, resist disinformation, and engage meaningfully in digital spaces.
Established in memory of Marieli Rowe, a visionary American educator and one of the most influential leaders in the global media literacy movement, the award honours individuals and organisations driving meaningful change in how people access, assess, and interact with information. Rowe’s legacy continues to inspire educators and innovators worldwide, and Nazakat’s recognition underscores the importance of scaling media literacy beyond classrooms into civic life, policymaking, and digital governance.
Nazakat’s initiatives have consistently emphasised inclusivity and collaboration. Under his leadership, DataLEADS has developed programmes that bridge gaps between journalists, educators, policymakers, and citizens, fostering a shared responsibility for digital safety. His approach combines grassroots training with systemic advocacy, ensuring that media literacy is not confined to elite institutions but reaches communities most vulnerable to misinformation.
The award also highlights the growing urgency of media literacy in the age of artificial intelligence, algorithmic amplification, and globalised information flows. As societies grapple with the consequences of disinformation campaigns, online polarisation, and declining trust in institutions, Nazakat’s work demonstrates how education can empower individuals to navigate digital environments with resilience and confidence.
Speaking after the announcement, Nazakat described the honour as a tribute to collective efforts in strengthening democratic values through informed citizenship. He emphasised that media literacy is no longer optional but essential for safeguarding societies against the risks of misinformation and for enabling constructive participation in public life.
The recognition of an Indian leader at such a global forum reinforces the country’s role in shaping conversations around digital safety and literacy. It also signals the increasing importance of South Asian perspectives in international debates on information integrity. For Nazakat, the award is both a personal milestone and a validation of DataLEADS’ mission to build a more informed, empowered, and connected world.
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