World Press Freedom Day (3 May) - UN Chief's Message

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Published Jun 22, 2024

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a video message on World Press Freedom Day (3 May).

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Origins of World Press Freedom Day:

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, has been celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

After 30 years, the historic connection between the freedom to seek, impart, and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. Special commemorations of the 30th anniversary are planned to take place during the World Press Freedom Day International Conference.

May 3 serves as a reminder to governments of their need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to:

Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
And pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Focus of This Year's World Press Freedom Day:

In 2024, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

Awareness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis and its consequences is essential to build democratic societies. Journalistic work is indispensable for this purpose.

Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, and climate change. Ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide.