FORUM: “Shaping a Future at Peace” World Press Freedom Day 2026. By fostering access to reliable information, accountability, dialogue, and trust, press freedom and independent journalism are key to peace, economic recovery, sustainable development, and human rights. According to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, press freedom has experienced its steepest decline since 2012. This decline is comparable to that seen during the most unstable periods of the 20th century – the two world wars and the Cold War. Information manipulation, including the use of AI by malicious actors, is weakening trust and national security. At the same time, independent media face growing economic fragility. Self-censorship has grown by more than 60%, driven by fear of reprisals, online harassment, judicial intimidation, and economic pressure. The World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026 offers a critical moment to reaffirm freedom of expression and to align journalism, technology (including AI), and human rights actors around practical ways to strengthen information ecosystems for the future. Hosted in Lusaka, Zambia, the WPFD 2026 brings together press freedom advocates and digital rights communities at a time when the boundaries between journalism, technology, civic space, and human rights are increasingly intertwined. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WPFD2026, #ai, #WorldPressFreedomDay, #freedomofexpression, #PressFreedom, #journalism, #3may, #ShapingaFutureatPeace.
Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Press Freedom Day 2026; May 3rd.
People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.
But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.
Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.
Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.
Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.
When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.
When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.
And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.
All freedom depends on press freedom.
Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.
On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe.
António Guterres,
Message from Volker Türk, High commissioner on Human Rights on behalf the World Press Freedom Day 2026.
What would a world without a free press look like? It would be a world of indifference where violence is met with silence. A world of manipulation where truth is negotiable and traded like a commodity. A world where people would be unable to differentiate fact from fiction. A free press is the oxygen of a free and open society. It informs public debate and can build trust, underpinning social cohesion, resilience, and security. Today, we pay tribute to the courageous reporters and photographers who document horrific atrocities, expose corruption, and scrutinize business operations. By uncovering truth, and making space for diverse perspectives, they promote transparent, inclusive, and democratic governance. By sounding the alarm on abuses, they advance accountability and strengthen prevention efforts. Despite all this, journalism today has become an insecure and at times dangerous profession. Media workers are being bombed in their cars, abducted from their offices, silenced behind bars, and dismissed from their jobs. This year alone, at least 14 journalists have been killed. Over the past 20 years, only around 1 in 10 killings has led to full accountability. Covering armed conflict poses the highest risk. Israel's war in Gaza has become a death trap for the media. My my Office has verified the killing of nearly 300 journalists since October 2023, with many more injured. So far in 2026, Lebanon is the deadliest country for media workers. Local reporters are often the only people conveying the dreadful reality of war. They themselves may be hungry, frightened, and stripped of Sudan, I met journalists who had faced extreme violence, brutality, and even famine. All while trying to continue their essential work. Even away from the front lines, virtually no country is truly safe for those who speak truth to power. Investigating corruption, environmental harm, or organized crime carries grave risks for journalists, their sources, and sometimes their families, as I recently saw in Mexico.
I'm deeply concerned that media workers are the primary targets of growing transnational repression and surveillance, most recently seen in attacks against Iranian journalists abroad. Laws on defamation, on disinformation, on cyber crime and terrorism are increasingly used to shield the powerful from scrutiny. Legal cases focused on deterrence rather than justice, turn courts into tools of intimidation, costing journalists and media companies millions and sending a chilling signal far beyond the newsroom. Today, some 330 journalists and media workers are detained. My office has recorded a further 500 citizenVjournalists and human rights bloggers behind bars. Online harassment and bullying of the press risk creating a disinformation society in which the media is forced to obscure facts and deny science to operate in safety. These attacks disproportionately target women. Threearters of women journalists have faced online abuse including smear campaigns and sexual violence. Efforts to silence independent reporting have become disturbingly creative from restricting access to imposing internet shutdowns and news blackouts. In some cases, an unholy alliance between political, corporate, and media power is damaging democracy and polarizing societies. Economic pressure is reaching record levels. In nearly a third of countries, funding cuts and media concentration are forcing local news outlets to close, denying people a voice. Layoffs are sometimes used strategically to suppress critical coverage and reinforce political agendas. And yet, journalists are undeterred, reporting in the harshest conditions, even from hospital beds and wheelchairs. They believe that truth is stronger than bullets and it's worth fighting for and they are right. But they cannot fight alone. They need our support and urgent protection. States need to end the persecution of the press, lift arbitrary restrictions, repeal abusive laws and align legal frameworks with international rights standards. They need to prevent attacks against journalists and media workers sand protect them from surveillance. that includes those working outside their country. I urge states to investigate all violations and to hold perpetrators to account. States also need to guarantee a free and open media landscape through effective regulation. Technology companies need to take meaningful action against online abuse and disinformation. Upholding the highest standards of independence, transparency, and integrity preserves the essential role of media organizations as guardians of public trust. My office will continue to monitor and report on violations against journalists and media workers, advocate for their safety, and support national protection mechanisms. When attacks on the media are normalized, freedom itself begins to decay, and with it the foundations of peace, security, and sustainable development. Together, let's ensure that those who stand for truth do not stand alone.
What would a world without a free press look like? It would be a world of indifference where violence is met with silence. A world of manipulation where truth is negotiable and traded like a commodity. A world where people would be unable to differentiate fact from fiction. A free press is the oxygen of a free and open society. It informs public debate and can build trust, underpinning social cohesion, resilience, and security. Today, we pay tribute to the courageous reporters and photographers who document horrific atrocities, expose corruption, and scrutinize business operations. By uncovering truth, and making space for diverse perspectives, they promote transparent, inclusive, and democratic governance. By sounding the alarm on abuses, they advance accountability and strengthen prevention efforts. Despite all this, journalism today has become an insecure and at times dangerous profession. Media workers are being bombed in their cars, abducted from their offices, silenced behind bars, and dismissed from their jobs. This year alone, at least 14 journalists have been killed. Over the past 20 years, only around 1 in 10 killings has led to full accountability. Covering armed conflict poses the highest risk. Israel's war in Gaza has become a death trap for the media. My my Office has verified the killing of nearly 300 journalists since October 2023, with many more injured. So far in 2026, Lebanon is the deadliest country for media workers. Local reporters are often the only people conveying the dreadful reality of war. They themselves may be hungry, frightened, and stripped of Sudan, I met journalists who had faced extreme violence, brutality, and even famine. All while trying to continue their essential work. Even away from the front lines, virtually no country is truly safe for those who speak truth to power. Investigating corruption, environmental harm, or organized crime carries grave risks for journalists, their sources, and sometimes their families, as I recently saw in Mexico.
I'm deeply concerned that media workers are the primary targets of growing transnational repression and surveillance, most recently seen in attacks against Iranian journalists abroad. Laws on defamation, on disinformation, on cyber crime and terrorism are increasingly used to shield the powerful from scrutiny. Legal cases focused on deterrence rather than justice, turn courts into tools of intimidation, costing journalists and media companies millions and sending a chilling signal far beyond the newsroom. Today, some 330 journalists and media workers are detained. My office has recorded a further 500 citizenVjournalists and human rights bloggers behind bars. Online harassment and bullying of the press risk creating a disinformation society in which the media is forced to obscure facts and deny science to operate in safety. These attacks disproportionately target women. Threearters of women journalists have faced online abuse including smear campaigns and sexual violence. Efforts to silence independent reporting have become disturbingly creative from restricting access to imposing internet shutdowns and news blackouts. In some cases, an unholy alliance between political, corporate, and media power is damaging democracy and polarizing societies. Economic pressure is reaching record levels. In nearly a third of countries, funding cuts and media concentration are forcing local news outlets to close, denying people a voice. Layoffs are sometimes used strategically to suppress critical coverage and reinforce political agendas. And yet, journalists are undeterred, reporting in the harshest conditions, even from hospital beds and wheelchairs. They believe that truth is stronger than bullets and it's worth fighting for and they are right. But they cannot fight alone. They need our support and urgent protection. States need to end the persecution of the press, lift arbitrary restrictions, repeal abusive laws and align legal frameworks with international rights standards. They need to prevent attacks against journalists and media workers sand protect them from surveillance. that includes those working outside their country. I urge states to investigate all violations and to hold perpetrators to account. States also need to guarantee a free and open media landscape through effective regulation. Technology companies need to take meaningful action against online abuse and disinformation. Upholding the highest standards of independence, transparency, and integrity preserves the essential role of media organizations as guardians of public trust. My office will continue to monitor and report on violations against journalists and media workers, advocate for their safety, and support national protection mechanisms. When attacks on the media are normalized, freedom itself begins to decay, and with it the foundations of peace, security, and sustainable development. Together, let's ensure that those who stand for truth do not stand alone.
Volker Türk.
EVENTS: On 4-5 May in Lusaka, Zambia. The World Press Freedom Day 2026 conference “Shaping a Future at Peace” will be held. The conference will offer a critical moment to reaffirm freedom of expression both as a normative and empirical lever for shaping the future of information societies. On May 5, several side events will take place, including the African Media Convention (organized by TAEF) and the Academic Conference (University of Zambia). For more information contact wpfd@unesco.org, Register to participate!
May 4th, 2026 "Shaping a Future at Peace, Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security" - DAY I - Mulungushi Building - Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
7:30 - 9:15 - Badge pick-up Mulungushi Building Main Auditorium
9:15 - 9:25 - Artistic performanceAfrica 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 addressesMs 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 -General on the Prevention of Genocide
10:40 - 10:05 - Coffee Break
11:05- 11:35 - Launch of the Southern Africa Press Freedom Report
Report launch and discussion:
9:15 - 9:25 - Artistic performanceAfrica 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 addressesMs 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 -General on the Prevention of Genocide
10:40 - 10:05 - Coffee Break
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
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 Communication and Information in Africa, UNESCO
Q&A
12:35 - 14:00 - Lunch Break
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
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.
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
17:45 - 18:00 - Closing Ceremony
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
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
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 Communication and Information in Africa, UNESCO
Q&A
12:35 - 14:00 - Lunch Break
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
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.
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
17:45 - 18:00 - Closing Ceremony
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
May 5th, 2026 - The Side events organized by World Press Freedom Day partners will take place in the Mulungushi Wing within the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. 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
9:00 - 16:00 - African Media Convention TAEF will take place int the main auditorium.
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
9:00 - 16:00 - Academic Conference of the University of Zambia will take place in Room 3
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. Contact: Vera.Slavtcheva-Petkova@liverpool.ac.uk or brenda.bukowa@unza.ac.zm
9:00 - 11:00 - Supporting Economic Journalism: Understanding the IMF and Its Resources for Journalists IMF will take place in Room 1
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 or Contact: Rabner@imf.org; akanyegirire@imf.org
11:30 - 13:00 - Gender, Safety and Press Freedom: What’s at StakeWAN-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. 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
On March 19, 2026, the Freedom House hosted its launch event for Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy, Freedom House's flagship report that has been tracking global trends in political rights and civil liberties annually since 1973. The report’s authors presented key findings on the global state of democracy and freedom in 2025 and provided an analysis of major trends impacting fundamental rights over the last two decades. An expert panel discussion examined the implications of the report’s findings for the international system and the threat posed by emboldened autocrats. Speakers include: Thomas Carothers, Harvey V. Fineberg Chair for Democracy Studies; Director, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Jamie Fly, Chief Executive Officer, Freedom House Yana Gorokhovskaia, Research Director, Strategy and Design, Freedom House; Co-author of Freedom in the World Cathryn Grothe, Senior Research Analyst, Democracy Studies, Freedom House; Co-author of Freedom in the World Matthew Kaminski, Editorial Chair, Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Founding Editor, POLITICO Europe Amy Slipowitz, Research Manager, Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners, Freedom House; Co-author of Freedom in the World Maya Tudor, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government and Fellow, St Hilda's College, University of OxfordOn World Press Freedom Day, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warns of escalating attacks on journalists worldwide — killings, arbitrary detention, surveillance, and mounting economic pressure. An urgent call to States, tech companies, and society to protect those who speak truth to power.
Celebrations around the World.
These events are independently organized and the content of these is the responsibility of the organizer. The views and opinions expressed in the events are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of UNESCO. Explore the World Press Freedom Day 2026 commemorations all around the world. The list of events is updated regularly.
- Afghanistan
- Austria
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- France
- Greece
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- Madagascar
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Sudan
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
