In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of the violations of press freedom. It is a reminder that publications and social media are censored, fined, suspended, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked and even killed worldwide.

Date: Monday, 4 May 2020

Time: 17:00 - 18:30 CET (GMT+2) / 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT

Online via UNESCO social media accounts

Facebook: EN / FR / SP      
Twitter: EN / FR / SP        
Youtube: EN / FR / SP        

UNESCO’s flagship event of World Press Freedom Day will bring together UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the Republic of Liberia George Weah, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, journalist Younes Mujahid, President of the International Federation of Journalists, Maria Ressa, investigative journalist from the Philippines, founder of the Rappler news website, and the Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire, alongside a number of other high level participants. Prominent Mexican-born American journalist Jorge Ramos will moderate the debate.

A series of videos will feature messages from Heads of State and Government, Ministers and other high-level figures.

The event will be organized with the support of members of the Group of Friends of the Safety of Journalists at UNESCO.

Moderated by a prominent journalist, the event will be streamed live online through UNESCO's Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Following brief opening remarks by the UN Secretary-General and the UNESCO Director-General, the moderator will lead an open discussion between panelists on the following themes relating to the COVID-19 crisis:

  • The importance of journalism in navigating the crisis
  • Fighting misinformation and rumours
  • Journalists on the front lines: ensuring their health and safety
  • The role of governments: protecting press freedom and independent journalism
  • The role of social media and technology: supporting journalism and fighting misinformation

Statements

Note on the World Press Freedom Conference

UNESCO and the Netherlands had planned to hold the World Press Freedom Conference (WPFC) from 22 to 24 April in The Hague. However, because of the COVID-19 crisis the conference has been postponed and will now take place from 18 to 20 October. It will be a joint celebration of World Press Freedom Day (3 May) and the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (2 November).

Note on the Civil Society Briefing

Please note that civil society briefing on occasion of the World Press Freedom Day will not take place. Kindly follow the flagship event via UNESCO's online social media accounts.

Resources