World Press Freedom Day

On Tuesday 05 May 2026; The World Press Freedom Freedom Conference Side events in Lusaka will now take place in the Mulungushi Wing within the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The Registration for the World Press Freedom Day conference on 4 May grants you access to side events on May 5. However, please note that you will need to pick up your badge on May 4 from 07:00-09:15 Main Auditorium 9:00 - 16:00 - African Media Convention TAEF Hosted by the AMC Steering Committee, chaired by Mr. Churchill Otieno, President of The African Editors’ Forum (TAEF), in collaboration with UNESCO, the African Union Commission (AUC), the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), the M20 and other partners. Contact: izak.minnaar@gmail.com Room 3 9:00 - 16:00 - Academic Conference University of Zambia The Academic Conference on the Safety of Journalists brings together scholars, policymakers, journalists, and civil society actors to examine current challenges and emerging researc...

On Monday 04 May, 2026, from 17:45 - 18:00 - The WPFD 2026 Closing Ceremony will be held. This segment provides an opportunity to reflect on the key outcomes and messages from the conference . It will highlight the main takeaways and reinforce commitments to advancing press freedom . The session is also designed to set the stage for continued action beyond the event . Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, Minister of Information and Media, Government of Zambia. Ms. Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General Communication and Information, UNESCO.

  On Monday, 04 May 2026, from 14:40 - 15:30 - PLENARY III - Media Viability, Pluralism and Inclusion. This panel explores pathways to viable, independent, and diverse media ecosystems, including support to local and community media, gender equality, inclusion of marginalized voices, and policies that strengthen long-term resilience. Speakers Dr Joe Ageyo, Editor in Chief, Nation Media Group. Ms Susan Makore, Managing Director of the Global Women in News Team, World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). H.E. Ms Karolina Stasiak, Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA H.E. Mr Takehiro Kano, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO and Chair of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) Moderator:  Mr. Carlos Van Meek, Deputy Executive Director of Editorial, Digital Division, Al Jazeera  Q&A  15:30 - 15:45 - Coffee Break 

  On Monday 04 May 2026; from 14:00 - 14:40 - PLENARY II - Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Integrity This panel analyzes how digital platforms, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and new information actors reshape freedom of expression, media independence, and public trust and how governance frameworks grounded in human rights can respond to these transformations. Dr Tabani Moyo, Regional Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), member of the African Union’s Working Group on Artificial Intelligence Ms Tracy Manners, Deputy Vice President, Director of Global Affairs, Meta Oversight Board Ms Juliet Nanfuka, Researcher, Technology, Society & Power CIPESA Moderator: Ms. Teldah Mawarire, Media & digital expert Q&A

  On Monday May 04; 2026, from 11:50 - 12:35 - PLENARY I - Press Freedom, Peace, Security and Economic Development. This panel examines the importance of journalism in conflict, crisis, recovery, and peacebuilding contexts , including “zones of silence,” journalist safety, and the fight against impunity, recognizing that protecting journalists is inseparable from protecting societies’ right to information . H.E. Mr Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, Ambassador of Cameroon to Ethiopia and Djibouti, Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Mr Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director, Africa Freedom of Information. Dr Phathiswa Magopeni Tshangana, Executive Director, Press Council of South Africa & Chairperson of NIMCA. Dr Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova, Reader in Global Journalism and Media, University of Liverpool. Mr Andrew Dabalen, Chief Economist for Africa, World Bank video. Moderator: Ms. Misako Ito, Regional Adviser for Communicati...

  On Monday 04 May 2026, from 11:05- 11:35 - Launch of the Southern Africa Press Freedom Report. Report launch and discussion Mr Tabani Moyo, Executive Director. Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Discussion of the Report: Mr Morden Mayembe Director for Press and Media Development in the Zambia Ministry of Information and Media, Mr Bongani Mkhaliphi, Government of Eswatini, Mr Cosmas Chitauro – Government of Zimbabwe Ms Susan Makore, Managing Director of the Global Women in News Team, World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) MODERATOR : Mr Al Amin Yussuf, CI Regional adviser for Southern Africa, UNESCO

On Monday 04 May 2026, from 7:30 - 9:15 - Badge pick-up Mulungushi Building Main Auditorium. 9:15 - 9:25 - Artistic performance by the Africa Dance Factory 9:25 - 9:30 - Opening Masters of Ceremony:  Ms. Jacqueline Chishimba. Mr. Franklyn Tembo Jr. 9:30 - 9:45 - Set the scene Ms. Mwiza Zulu, Artist, Activist and Content Creator. 09:45 - 10:00 - Testimonial Mr. Mohamed Zakaria photojournalist and filmmaker known for courageous documentation of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. 10:00 - 10:30 - Opening addresses. Ms Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General Communication and Information, UNESCO. H.E. Mr Takehiro Kano, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO and Chair of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). Hon. Mr Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, Minister of Information and Media, Republic of Zambia 10:30- 10:40 - Lightning Talk Prof Chaloka Beyani, UN Under-Secretary General and Special Advisor to the Secretary-G...

  According to the UNESCO World Trends Report in Freedom of Expression and Media Development(2022-2025) , freedom of expression around the world has declined by 10% since 2012, a regression comparable in scale to the most unstable periods of the 20th century (First World War, Second World War, Cold War). This setback is occurring alongside a wide range of interwoven issues: the intensification of armed conflicts (61 active worldwide in 2024); the information manipulation and interference by malicious actors including using AI, weakening trust, shared understanding, and national security; the contraction of civic space marked by a reported 48% increase in efforts to control or restrict media; persistent violence against journalists in a context where 85% of killings remain unpunished; the growing economic fragility of independent media linked to the concentration of over 54% of global advertising revenues within digital platforms; and deep disruptions of information ecosystems drive...

The World Press Freedom Day 2026 Conference will happen at a time when the boundaries between journalism, technology, civic space, and human rights are increasingly intertwined. It will enable cross-fertilization of ideas, solutions and approaches – including gender-responsive perspectives – between journalists, digital rights advocates, technologists, policy makers, regulators, civil society organizations, academia, researchers, educators, youth leaders and content creators. This convergence offers a platform to move beyond diagnosis toward coordinated action, aligning journalism, technology (including AI) , and human rights actors around practical ways to strengthen information ecosystems for the future. Find the Agenda programme of the World Press Freedom Day Conference in Lusaka on 4-5 May.

Organizer: UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine. Event: World Press Freedom Day: Women Shaping Journalism in Ukraine. Date: 30 April 2026. Description: Ukraine’s national event marking World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) will highlight the role and contribution of women journalists, who represent the majority of media professionals in the country. Working under the challenging conditions of the ongoing war, women journalists continue to report from the frontlines, investigate war crimes, and ensure access to reliable information for Ukrainian society and the international community. The event will bring together representatives of media, civil society, international organizations, and public institutions. The programme will include opening remarks, a panel discussion, a short documentary screening, and a networking reception. Type of meeting: In Person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Location: Kyiv, Ukraine. Contact: Diana Moshkovska, d.moshkovska@unesco.org Event: “Courage to Report” Photo Exhibitio...

Thailand Event: the Center for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific Training . Organizer: the Center for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific. Date: From 8 May to 11 May 2026. Description: An in‑person training designed for journalists from the Mekong region and focuses on strengthening both psychological and technical resilience in the face of technology‑facilitated gender‑based violence (TFGBV) and hate speech targeting journalists. The training aims to equip participants with practical tools, coping strategies, and technical skills to prevent, identify, and respond effectively to online harassment and abuse , while promoting journalist safety, well‑being, and the sustainability of independent journalism in the digital environment . Type of meeting: In Person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Venue: Bangkok, Thailand.Location: Contact: Amantha Perera, Cjt@cjt.org.au .

Organizer: the European Broadcasting Union in Switzerland. Event: Future of Journalism in Gaza Conference. Date: 5 May 2026. Description: To mark World Press Freedom Day, the European Broadcasting Union convenes a conference to examine the state of journalism in Gaza , and explore what it will take to restore safe, independent and sustainable reporting in one of the world’s most dangerous environments for media . With infrastructure devastated, many journalists and media workers killed since the start of the war, and independent reporting by international media banned, this gathering will bring together EBU Members, newsroom leaders, press freedom advocates, humanitarian actors and security experts to share practical experience and identify concrete steps to rebuild capacity, protect journalists and safeguard the public’s right to information . Type of meeting: In person. Audience type: Open meeting. Location: EBU HQ, l'ancienne route 17a 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerlan...

Organizer: UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and TechPana Media Private Limited. Event: World Press Freedom Day 2026: Consultation Meeting in Nepal. Date: 3 May 2026. Description: In line WPFD 2026 global theme “ Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security ,” UNESCO, in collaboration with Techpana Private Limited, organizes a multi-stakeholder consultation on a rtificial intelligence and information integrity will be done under the ongoing IPDC-supported initiative, “ Building Trust in Digital Media: A Complete Guide and Training Program for Ethical Content Creation in Nepal. ” With around 30 participants, the consultation will bring together content creators, journalists, digital rights advocates, civil society representatives, academics, and youth to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping freedom of expression, media independence, and public trust. Type of meeting: In person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Location: Kathmandu, Ne...

Organizer: ARTICLE 19 Office for Mexico and Central America. Event: Journalism versus silence: regional dialogue on press freedom in Latin America and the Caribbean. Date: 6 May to 7 May 2026. Description: The event aims to provide a space for reflection, analysis, and awareness‑building on the state of freedom of expression in the Latin American region . Organized within the framework of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), it will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of Article 19 in Mexico and feature the presentation of the 2025 Annual Report of the Article 19 Office for Mexico and Central America, alongside UNESCO’s report “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development: Global Report 2022/2025; Journalism: Shaping a Peaceful World. ” The event brings together from the region journalists, media organizations, civil society organizations, representatives of public institutions and government, as well as the general public, to foster inclusive dialogue and deepen underst...

Organizer: ILONTSERA in Madagascar. Event: Madagascar Celebration Week of World Press Freedom Day. Date: From 28 April to 3 May 2026. Description: Organized in Antananarivo within the framework of a partnership between the transitional committee of the journalists’ association (CTOJM) and stakeholders, the Celebration Week of World Press Freedom Day 2026 aims to promote press freedom, access to information, and the contribution of the media to peace and citizenship. It will be marked by its official launch, panel discussions on the Law on Access to Public Information (LAICP), the role of whistleblowers, and the challenges of journalism in the era of social networks, as well as by master classes for secondary schools and universities on media and information literacy. Dialogue spaces bringing together media actors, civil society, security forces, and judicial institutions will foster exchanges around the theme “ All, actors of peace .”. The Celebration will culminate in a high level pan...

Event: The State of Freedom of Expression and Media in the World. Organizer: the Icelandic National Commission for UNESCO, and the Ministry of Culture. Date: 7 May 2026. Description: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Icelandic National Commission for UNESCO, together with the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is hosting an information meeting on the state of freedom of expression and media worldwide. The guest speaker will be Guilherme Canela, Head of the Section for Digital Policy and Governance at UNESCO. He will present UNESCO’s latest report on the state of media and freedom of expression: World Trends on Freedom of Expression and Media Development. Journalism – Shaping a World at Peace. The report, which covers a four-year period, reviews the condition of media and freedom of expression and highlights the importance of strong, independent media for democracy around the world. It also discusses the impact of a...

Organizer: Department of Communication, Media and Culture, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences,Greece. Event: News in Transition: Freedom of the Press, Political Accountability, Disinformation & Democracy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence . Date: 5 May 2026. Description: This International Conference , co-organized by the Department of Communication, Media and Culture of Panteion University and the governmental watchdog Politikometro.gr, explores the critical challenges facing modern journalism. Taking place on May 5 and 6, 2026, at Panteion University , the event brings together leading academics, journalists, political representatives, and independent fact-checking organizations. The core focus is the disruption caused by Artificial Intelligence and "Synthetic Media" (such as Deepfakes) on the news cycle and democratic institutions. Through a series of panels and practical workshops, the conference examines: - The gap between political rhetoric and...

Event: International Federation of Journalists' Centenary Congress. Organizer: The International Federation of Journalists. Date: 4th – 7th May 2026. Description: Back to back with the World Press Freedom Day, more than 300 journalists unions and associations’ representatives are to attend IFJ’s Centenary Congress, to be held at Novotel Paris Est, Porte de Bagnolet, from 5th – 7th May 2026, preceded by a celebration at the Théâtre de la Concorde. Hosted by IFJ’s French affiliates SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT Journalistes, and Force Ouvrière, the Congress theme will be; ‘100 years of international solidarity for strong journalism and trade unionism' . The Congress will serve as a key platform to shape the IFJ’s direction for 2026–2029. Delegates will discuss and adopt the federation’s new working programme and address core issues including artificial intelligence, safety, youth engagement in the profession, gender equality, surveillance, and much more. The Congress will also highlight th...

Organizer: UNESCO Dhaka Office and Transparency International Bangladesh. Event: Rebuilding Public Trust: Media Independence and Democratic Accountability in Bangladesh. Date: 3 May 2026. Description: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, UNESCO, in partnership with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), will convene a high-level panel discussion to examine the critical role of independent and professional journalism in strengthening public trust and democratic accountability in Bangladesh. Bringing together government representatives, media professionals, civil society, academia, and development partners, the event will explore key challenges affecting media credibility—including disinformation, pressures on editorial independence, and journalist safety—while identifying practical pathways to promote information integrity and an enabling environment for free, independent, and responsible journalism. Type of meeting: In Person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Location: ...

Event: Melbourne Landmarks in Blue. Organizer: Ink‑Stained Wretches. Date: 3 May 2026. Description: To mark the World Press Freedom Day, iconic Melbourne landmarks will be illuminated in blue as part of the Spotlight Press Freedom Campaign led by the advocacy group Ink‑Stained Wretches. Melbourne Town Hall will be lit in blue on the night, joined by Federation Square, which will also be fully illuminated in blue. Federation Square will host a free public screening of All the President’s Men on the big screen from 8:00 pm, with an official event listing published on the Federation Square website ahead of the event. RMIT journalism students will be on site throughout the evening to document the activations, capturing photographs, video footage, and producing social media content to amplify the message of press freedom and the role of journalism in democracy. Type of meeting: In person. Audience type: Open meeting.

Event: Commemoration to the World Press Freedom Day. Organizer: the United Nations Correspondents Association in Vienna (UNCAV). Date: 4 May 2026. Description: A commemorative and dialogue event will be convened on 4 May 2026 at the Vienna Rotunda. This gathering, organized by the United Nations Correspondents Association in Vienna (UNCAV), will reaffirm the fundamental importance of freedom of expression and media independence as pillars of democratic societies and as central elements of the Organization’s mandate. Type of meeting: In person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Location: Vienna Rotunda.

Afghanistan Event: Commemorating World Press Freedom Day in Kabul Organizer: Afghan Journalists Date: 3 May 2026. Description: A gathering bringing together journalists and media stakeholders to promote press freedom, discuss key challenges, and encourage dialogue on improving the media environment in Afghanistan. Type of meeting: In Person. Audience type: Closed meeting. Location: Kabul, Afghanistan.

Organizer: Modern Journalism Development Center. Event: World Press Freedom Day 2026 Celebration in Uzbekistan . Date: 1 May 2026. Description: A roundtable will convene a diverse group of national and international experts to exchange perspectives and foster informed dialogue on key contemporary issues affecting the media and legal landscapes . The session will feature a presentation of the UNESCO's World Trends Report in Freedom of Expression and Media development 2022/202 5, offering insights into global developments shaping freedom of expression, media viability, and digital transformation. Discussions will also address media legislation in Uzbekistan, examining recent reforms, existing challenges, and possible pathways forward to strengthen an enabling environment for independent journalism. In addition, the roundtable will provide an in depth analysis of digital law and case law, focusing on online defamation, content liability, data protection frameworks, and key judicial...

Jamaica Organizer: Co-organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica. Event: Media Leaders’ Breakfast. Date: 1 May 2026. Description: Co-organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, the celebration brings together senior media executives, regulators, policymakers, academics, civil society organizations and other development partners in the media and information ecosystem. The event will provide an opportunity, to reflect and discuss the state of press freedom and the evolving role of media in the context of small island developing states (SIDS). Aligned with the 2026 global theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” the breakfast provides a platform for dialogue on pressing local and regional issues such as media sustainability, misinformation and disinformation, disaster resilience and the impact of digital transformation and emerging technologies on journalism . The topics of su...