World Press Freedom Day

  May 5, 2025 - From 14:00 – 18:00; Global multi-stakeholder workshop on Empowering Digital Content Creators as News Relays for Information Integrity - closed event- Organizer: UNESCO Venue: BIP Meeting Center Contact: Adeline Hulin

May 5, 2025- from 10:30 – 12:00; Parallel event entitled ''Safeguarding Information Integrity in Times of Crisis: Lessons and Future Directions from the UNESCO-EU Partnership '' Organizer: UNESCO, European Union Venue: BIP Meeting Center Contact: Adeline Hulin More info: here Link to register here

  May 5, 2025 - From 9:00 – 17:00  - World Press Freedom Day Academic Conference . Organizers: UNESCO, Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EhB) Venue: Erasmushogeschool Brussel – Kanal Campus  Programme here Contact: John Bosco Mayiga

Countries must do everything to ensure that free and independent news reporting can thrive, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday in a message to mark World Press Freedom Day . “Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever,” said Volker Türk. Furthermore, “the media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.” Threats and deaths Free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation but press freedom is under threat in every region of the world, he warned. “States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs” while “in some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists.” He noted that since January, at least 20 people who work in media have been killed and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread, with more than 80 per cent of killings going un...

The World Press Freedom Day Conference 2025 aims to examine AI's impact on press freedom , exploring how Artificial Intelligence affects the free flow of information, media freedom, and the achievement of SDG 16.10 to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. The discussion will:  • Reaffirm the universal commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom • Explore AI's effects on media pluralism, diversity, and independence • Assess AI impact on news and media content creation and dissemination • Encourage media to make ethical use of AI systems in their operations  • Strengthen collaboration between media stakeholders • Support enabling environments for media to have the rights and resources to effectively report on the benefits and harms of AI systems, • Encourage global cooperation for journalists safety. • Support media integration of AI, focusing on viability and representation • Emphasize the importance of information integrity on AI ...

  Programme of the World Press Freedom Day Signature Event - 7 May 2025 9:30 - 10:45 - Registration Registration and badge pick up at BOZAR. Networking Breakfast 11:00 - 12:05 - Opening Session High Level Opening Address  H.E. Ms. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-GeneralVideo-Message from United Nations Secretary-General,  H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres Ms. Dubravka Šuica, EU Commissioner for Mediterranean [TBC] Mr. Rob Beenders, Minister of Consumer Protection, the fight against Social Fraud, Persons with Disabilities and Equal Opportunities, Belgium Ms. Cieltje Van Achter, Flemish Minister of Brussels and Media Ms. Elisabeth Degryse, Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Video-Message from   Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, European Commission Master of ceremony:  Annelies Beck, Moderator and Presenter, VRT Show Part 1 Godparents of AI ” - Video contribution by Yoshua Bengio, Turing Award W...

  This year the World Press Freedom Day global commemoration will focus on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media. AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation , deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI's role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability. The event will explore these complex issues, bringing together journalists, policymakers, media professionals, and civil society actors to ensure AI strengthens, rather than undermine...