Side events of the Word Press Freedom conference entitled “Shaping a Future at Peace”.

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 research related to journalist safety worldwide. The conference provides a platform to share academic insights, policy perspectives, and practical approaches to strengthening protection mechanisms, combating impunity, and advancing media freedom. See the Programme; Contact: Vera.Slavtcheva-Petkova@liverpool.ac.uk, brenda.bukowa@unza.ac.zm

Room 1

9:00 - 11:00 - Supporting Economic Journalism: Understanding the IMF and Its Resources for Journalists IMF

This is a closed‑door side event that will offer a practical opportunity to engage directly with locally based and international journalists and media practitioners. Through a presentation by the IMF Resident Representative in Zambia, complemented by a session from an IMF communications focal point on the organization's communications tools and key data access points, the event would help journalists better understand and use IMF analysis, data, and policy messaging in their reporting. By demystifying IMF tools and strengthening journalists’ access to reliable economic information, the Fund would support informed public debate and higher‑quality economic reporting, in line with its mandate and the objectives of World Press Freedom Day. Please RSVP for this closed-door side event here: Fill out form; Contact: Rabner@imf.org; akanyegirire@imf.org


11:30 - 13:00 - Gender, Safety and Press Freedom: What’s at Stake.

Organized by the WAN-IFRA Women in News, UNESCO

This panel will examine gender equality as a core press freedom and safety issue, bringing together perspectives from research, funding, lived experience, and policy. It comes at a critical moment, as media organisations worldwide continue to confront persistent challenges around harassment, safety, and equal participation in the newsroom. The discussion also reflects upcoming research by WAN-IFRA Women in News (WIN) in partnership with BBC Media Action, and City St George's, University of London, which explores prevalence, reporting mechanisms, and actions taken following reporting. It also aligns with UNESCO’s World Trends Report and its ongoing work on online harassment. Contact: farah.wael@womeninnews.org


14:00 - 16:00 - Stakeholder Validation Workshop of the Africa Media and Information Literacy Framework. Organized by the UNESCO and the African Union

Following recommendations from the 3rd Africa Media Convention and the Africa AI Strategy, the African Union Commission commissioned the development of the Africa Media and Information Literacy Framework with UNESCO’s support. Led by MIL expert Wallace Gichunge, the draft Framework was developed throughout 2025 and is now under review by UNESCO and the AU, ahead of ministerial consideration in 2026. The session will focus on validation, collaboration, action planning and raising awareness of the importance of MIL across the continent. Contact: wgichunge@gmail.com