Today marks the 31st anniversary of Press Freedom Day globally. This day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of a free press in maintaining a healthy liberal democracy, especially amid challenging and turbulent times.
Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 every year to recognize the challenges faced by journalists and pay tribute to those who lost their lives while fulfilling their duty to inform and enlighten the public. The day originated in a 1991 UNESCO conference in Namibia and the U.N. General Assembly started celebrating it in December 1993.
The holiday stands against authoritarianism, supports freedom of the press, and values the public service of honest journalists who uncover the truth.
This year the World Press Freedom Day theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”Understanding all facets of the global environmental crisis and its repercussions is crucial for the development of democratic societies, and journalistic efforts are indispensable in achieving this goal.
The holiday stands against authoritarianism, supports freedom of the press, and values the public service of honest journalists who uncover the truth.
This year the World Press Freedom Day theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”Understanding all facets of the global environmental crisis and its repercussions is crucial for the development of democratic societies, and journalistic efforts are indispensable in achieving this goal.
“Without press freedom, we won’t have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity,” wrote António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the U.N.
May 3 serves as a poignant reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom commitments.
Special commemorations of the 30th anniversary are planned to take place during the World Press Freedom Day International Conference.“Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom.
— United Nations (@UN) May 3, 2024
A free press is not a choice, but a necessity.”
– @antonioguterres on Friday’s #WorldPressFreedomDay. https://t.co/uhu1CUTUnm pic.twitter.com/Dth73dYGCn
May 3 serves as a poignant reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom commitments.
Source: TVP World, un.org
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