World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024; May 17th.

FORUM: ‘‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.’’ World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024. Building a sustainable future demands innovative thinking and action, especially in the digital world. The celebration of WTISD 2024 is a chance to explore how digital innovation can help connect everyone and unlock sustainable prosperity for all. Innovative tech can help tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, from fighting climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty. In fact, digital technologies can help achieve 70% of targets under the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Yet glaring digital gaps hinder innovation in many parts of the world. The lack of policies, investment, and digital skills leaves many countries struggling to keep up in the fast-changing digital landscape. What will the future of digital innovation look like and what role do all of us play? Be part and follow the conversations with the hashtags #DigitalInclusion, #EveryoneIncluded, #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay, #InnovateForProsperity.

EVENTS: ITU’s 159th anniversary. The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024 will be observed on May 17th at ITU in Geneva. As we commemorate ITU's 159th anniversary, we also celebrate the boundless potential of digital innovation for prosperity. Our hour-long event will bring together digital experts and innovators on a global journey, exploring digital hubs around the world where innovation thrives. Register to participate to the event; Step into the future with us on WTISD on 17 May 2024, broadcasting live from the ITU TV studio in Geneva.

Ask an ITU Innovation expert; If you have questions about the challenges hindering global innovation? Curious about actionable solutions to overcome these hurdles? Join the ITU Live Q&A on May 10th to learn from ITU Digital Innovation Ecosystem Expert, Mohamed Ba. RSVP

COURSES & TRAININGS: Prepare for future financial services priorities; Investigate the future of FinTech and learn to think strategically about problems faced by real businesses. Apply now!. Share how your digital innovation is helping to build a better future. Submit your innovation story!

STATEMENTS: Read the ITU Secretary-General statement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024, May 17th and the United Nations Secretary-General statement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024, May 17th.

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Save the date and join us in the journey to #InnovateForProsperity!

International Day of Light 2024; May 16th.

FORUM: “Light in our lives.“ International Day of Light 2024. Light continues to play a central role in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. What does the dark and quiet sky mean to you? To us, it means a whole lot. We will host our Dark and Quiet Skies month in May. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IAUOutreach, #Photonics, #LightbasedTechnologies, #Light, #16May, #DarkSkies4All, #InternationalDayofLight.

EVENTS: On and around May 16th; The International Day of Light 2024 will be held at UNESCO HQ and around the world. The celebration will provide a platform for continued appreciation of the central role that light science and technologies play in the lives of citizens with coordinated activities on national, regional and international levels. Activities will be planned for people of all ages and all backgrounds to understand the role of light in science and culture and participate to cross-cutting scientific disciplines that can advance sustainable development. For more information on the celebrations, Explore the worldwide events and learn how you can get involved!

On April 2024 was held the International Dark Sky Week, From May–November you will be able to watch the DarkSky Awards; On November the Under One Sky Global Conference will be held.

WEBINARS: Subscribe to participate the the monthly series of virtual talks on “Night Matters.” organized by the DarkSky members


PHOTO CONTEST: The Capture the Dark Photo Contest is temporarily postponed.

 

STATEMENTS: "Without light, our planet would be but a cold and barren place. Indeed, where there is light, there is often an abundance of life. Yet light represents even more for humanity. Light goes hand in hand with knowledge; it is a lens through which to see and understand the world."Message from the Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion.

WEBCASTS: Watch the livestream of the International Day of Light 2024 cebration May 16th.

International Day of Living Together in Peace 2024; May 16th.

FORUM: “Moving towards a peaceful coexistence.” International Day of Living Together in Peace 2024. Heritage, education, culture, social reconstruction and scientific cooperation are truly invaluable cornerstones of peace; a step forward in any one of these areas helps to bring people a step closer together. Collective commitment and solidarity are indispensable in this effort to bring together humanity. Dialogue paves the way for reconciliation, to moving from a divided past towards a shared future. We need a globalization of solidarity and compassion instead the normalization of division and hatred. We need a new narrative to address the current global context. One that is people-centered focusing on the vulnerable. We need to rebuild trust and restore solidarity. On May 16th, participate in discussions to find the ways to promote reconciliation to ensure peace and sustainable development; To recognize, respect and appreciate each others’ cultures and diversities and to transform relations among communities affected by conflict. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #LivingTogetherinPeaceDay; #16May.

Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ remarks at the Summit of the League of Arab States, in Manama today:

As salaam alaikum.

I was born in Lisbon — a city that for centuries was part of Al-Andalus. This was at a time when Cordoba was the centre of culture and civilization of the Iberian Peninsula, just as Baghdad was the centre of culture and civilization of the world — reaching out from the Chinese border to the Atlantic coast. History moved on. And a number of transformations — cultural, economic, technological and military — changed the world to the detriment of the Arab people.

The majority of Arab countries were colonized. It took decades of struggle for liberation — sometimes bloody wars — often with long periods of exploitation — and a legacy of lines arbitrarily drawn in the sand.

But, today, once again, the world is changing and I see enormous potential in the Arab region. You have the resources. You have the culture. You have the people. But there is one core condition for success in today’s world: unity.

Time and again, history has shown that divisions allow outsiders to intervene — promoting conflicts, stoking sectarian tensions and inadvertently fueling terrorism. These are obstacles to peaceful development and the well-being of your peoples.

Overcoming those obstacles requires breaking the vicious circle of division and foreign manipulation — and moving forward together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the Arab world and beyond.

We gather as hearts are breaking for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region. In its speed and scale, it is the deadliest conflict in my time as Secretary-General — for civilians, aid workers, journalists and our own UN colleagues.

Of course, nothing can justify the abhorrent 7 October terror attacks by Hamas. I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Yet the toll on civilians continues to escalate.

Entire families wiped out. Children traumatized and injured for life. People denied access to the very basics for human survival. A looming famine.

Any assault on Rafah is unacceptable. It would inflict another surge of pain and misery when we need a surge in life-saving aid. It is time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains the backbone of our operations in Gaza and a lifeline for Palestine refugees across the region. It needs full support and funding.

I am also deeply troubled by tensions in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, with a spike in illegal Israeli settlements, settler violence, excessive use of force by Israeli Defense Forces, demolitions and evictions.

The only permanent way to end the cycle of violence and instability is through a two-State solution, Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. The demographic and historical character of Jerusalem must be preserved, and the status quo at the holy sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Turning to Sudan, a devastating war has thrown half the country’s population into a humanitarian freefall. One year on, thousands have been killed, and 18 million people are staring down the terrifying threat of famine.

I urge the international community to intensify its push for peace and call on the warring parties to agree on a lasting ceasefire. This should be followed by a political process that includes women’s and youth groups. I pledge the full support of the United Nations.

We must also protect the fragile political processes in Libya and Yemen.

As High Commissioner for Refugees, I witnessed the enormous generosity of the Syrian people. I am pained to see Syria now, with so much suffering and with parts of its territory occupied with several external actors involved. I call on all Syrians to come together in a spirit of reconciliation, honouring the diversity of the Syrian people and respecting the human rights of all.

We face other serious global crises. The climate emergency; rising inequalities, poverty and hunger; crushing debt; and new technology — including artificial intelligence — that is running ahead of governance and guardrails. We need deep reforms to the global multilateral system — from the Security Council to the international financial architecture — so they are truly universal and representative of today’s realities.

The upcoming Summit of the Future is a pivotal opportunity to create momentum for a more networked and inclusive multilateralism. I look forward to welcoming you to the Summit in New York in September.

There is no better moment for the Arab region to come together. Unity and solidarity throughout the Arab world would amplify the vital voice of the region and further boost your influence on the global stage. It can help this region find peace, make the most of its enormous potential and further contribute to the global good. In all this work, you can count on the United Nations, and on me personally, for our support and partnership.

UN Secretary‑General António Guterres.

EVENTS: On May 16th to mark the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace 2024; the United Nations General Assembly president invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals to reflect on the ways to Live Together in Peace. For the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue entitled “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity”. The UNAOC have led 3 sessions: 1) An inter-generational Dialogue with 20 of UNAOC youth alumni. 2) a plenary on the interfaith dialogue as a confidence building measure 3) the launch of the Young Peacebuilders in Central Asia and the Caucuses, which is supported by the Government of Azerbaijan to advance the Peace4Culture initiative.

2024 Path To Peace Gala

STATEMENTS: Read the UNAOC High Representative’s Remarks at the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

CAMPAIGN: Working Together towards More Peaceful Future.

International Day of Families 2024; May 15th.

FORUM: “Families and Climate Change: International Year of the Family + 30.” International Day of Families 2024. Demographic change is one of the most important megatrends impacting our world and the life and well-being of families worldwide. Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns. Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education which in turns helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development. Research indicates that decreasing fertility also increases women’s labour participation. On the other hand, fertility declines results in smaller families which are less likely to cope with care and other household obligations. As such in time of unemployment or illness, families have fewer members to rely on. Moreover, low fertility rates may undermine labour forces and social structures triggering drastic responses with hard to predict consequences for issues raging from social security to gender equality. This year the day aims to raise awareness of the impact of climate on families. An Interactive discussion will be held for this occasion with audience participation. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #15May; #InternationalDayofFamilies, #globalgoals. #Families, #IYF30, #SDG13,#climateaction, #Demographictrends.

EVENTS: On May 15th, from 10:00 to 11:45 PM (EST) at the UNHQ New York, Conference Room 11, the Observance of the International Day of Families 2024 and the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family will be held. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social affairs will organize an event which include presentations from academics, civil society and urban authorities. The Moderator of the session will be Mr. Masumi Ono, Chief of the Social Integration and Participation Branch, Division for Inclusive Social Development, The UNDESA will Launch two background Papers: The first entitled “Climate Change and Families” by Lena Dominelli, Professor of Social Work, University of Sterling, Scotland, United Kingdom (presented by UNDESA) and the second entitled “Home and climate change: Understanding the power of home to transform societies in the face of climate emergency” Presented by Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem, Chair of Architecture and the Founding Director of Research at the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of York, United Kingdom. The presentations of International Forum on IYF+30 Achievements by the representatives of: The National Population & Family Development Board, Malaysia (LPPKN); The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI); The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD); The Consortium of Family Institutes in Asia (CIFA); The Instituto de Análisis de Política Familiar (IAPF); The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR); The Generations United Regional Council of Veneto Region. Followed by the presentations of the Civil Society Declaration on IYF+30 by the representatives of: International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), the European Federation of Parents and Carers at Home (FEFAF), the European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC) will be presented. Get the IDF2024 programme!

On May 15th at 9:00 PM (EST), from UNHQ, an interactive dialogue entitled “The Family and the Future of Humanity” will be held; The objective of the event is to provide a platform to hear the views of experts in demography, economics, and family policy and their findings on family-oriented policies in view of the Summit of the Future, and to provide an opportunity for Member States and civil society organizations to exchange views on this matter. View the Flyer

Meetings: During the year; The Division for Inclusive Social Development have organized several Expert Group Meeting and consultations with stakeholders concerning the preparations for the IYF+30. In Asia - The Regional Expert Group Meetings entitled ’’Families and Megatrends: Inter-linkages between Migration, Urbanization, New Technologies, Demographic Trends and Climate Change in Asia was organized. In Latin America - The Regional Expert Group Meetings entitled ‘‘Parenting/Care, Family-Work Balance, and Family Policies’’ was held.

On July 24-28, 2024; The 86th annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The meeting will explore the theme of Reconceptualizing Rurality: Toward a More Diverse and Inclusive Understanding. This year, the Program Committee along with several research interest groups (RIGs) planned field trips to help members to explore and engage with the local communities. This year's field trips are: Lovely Leopold, Fabulous Farms, Indigenous Food and Great Tunes & the Symphony Dinner on the Capital Square. Register Here

PUBLICATIONS: Preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family focuses on the analysis of demographic trends and their impact on families. The report of the Secretary-General (A/79/61-E/2024/48)

Resolutions: On the Preparations for and observance of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30) General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/176 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语 - General Assembly resolution A/RES/77/191 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语 - General Assembly resolution– A/RES/76/139 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语.

LIVESTREAM: The 2024 in-person observance of the International Day of Families aims to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on families and the role of families in climate action. The DESA background paper to be launched at the observance, "Climate Change and Families," stresses that families, as central building blocks of society, have a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

CAMPAIGN: Rethink, reduce, redesign, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle, repurpose, and refuse.

International Day of Plant Health 2024; May 12th.

FORUM: "Plant health, safe trade and digital technology." International Day of Plant Health 2024. Each year, over 240 million containers move between countries, carrying goods including plant products, posing biosecurity risks. In addition, about 80% of international trade consignments include wood packaging material, providing a pathway for pest transmission. As a result, damages from invasive pest species incur global economic losses of approximately USD 220 billion annually. Protecting plant health across borders is essential by promoting global collaboration and international standards, such as the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). Innovative solutions like electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) streamline the process, making trade quicker and more secure. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #PlantHealthDay, #safetrade, #digitaltech, #planthealth, #12May.

EVENTS: On 13 May 2024, 14:00-15:20 CEST at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy a webinar. will be held under the theme, “Plant health, safe trade and digital technology”, the International Day of Plant Health 2024 calls on everyone to raise awareness and take action to keep our plants healthy and ensure food safety and safe trade for sustainable economies and livelihoods. Get the Agenda Programme and Register here!

Agenda on the observance of the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) Technical Session (hybrid)

LIVETREAM: In celebration, the Food and Agriculture Office of the United Nations (FAO) Live event on may13th from 14:00 to 15:20 CEST at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. Watch the live webcast.

The United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. The Day is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020, which was marked in 2020-2021. The observance was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in a resolution (A/RES/76/256) co-signed by Bolivia, Finland, Pakistan, the Philippines, Tanzania and Zambia in March 2022. The resolution sets out that healthy plants constitute the foundation for all life on Earth, as well as ecosystem functions, food security and nutrition, adding that plant health is key to the sustainable development of agriculture required to feed a growing global population by 2050.


“The International Day of Plant Health will be an opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of plant health, both in itself and as part of our One Health approach, encompassing human, animal and ecosystem health. It could not be more vital to make sure that we do everything we can to maximize the food resources our planet can provide.” FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol

The International Day of Plant Health has five specific objectives:

• Increase awareness of the importance of keeping plants healthy to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Campaign to minimize the risk of spreading plant pests through trade and travel, by triggering compliance with international plant health standards.
• Strengthen monitoring and early warning systems to protect plants and plant health.
• Enable sustainable pest and pesticide management to keep plants healthy while protecting the environment.
• Promote investment in plant health innovations, research, capacity development and outreach.

HYBRID EVENT: 13 May 2024, 14:00-15:20 CEST; Sheik Zayed Center, FAO headquarters Rome. Explore the Programme. Register here and watch it via the Webcast link.

In collaboration with the International Plant Protection Convention.
Contact: IDPH@fao.org 

Publications: 2023 IDPH Impact Report

Get ready to celebrate the International Day of Plant Health!

Healthy plants constitute the foundation for all life on Earth, as well as ecosystem functions, food security and nutrition. Plant health is key to the sustainable development of agriculture required to feed a growing global population by 2050.

Activity book – Healthy plants, healthy planet.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Social Media Trello board.

Get Involved! : Whether you’re a government, city, private business, NGO, journalist, a civil society organization or individual, we can provide you with a range of multimedia content in several languages to share, and to support your International Plant Health Day activity.

More information

• International Year of Plant Health
• Plant Production and Protection
• International Plant Protection Convention

World Migratory Bird Day 2024; May 11th.

FORUM: “Protect insects, Protect birds” World Migratory Bird Day 2024. During the day, we will focus on the importance of insects for migratory birds, and highlight concerns related to decreasing populations of insects. Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species, not only during the breeding seasons but also during their extensive journeys and greatly affect the timing, duration, and overall success of bird migrations. Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out insects in fields, forests, wetlands, and various habitats during stopovers. The timing of bird migration often coincides with peak insect abundance at stopover locations, supplying nourishment for birds to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their journeys. Birds play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, and a lack of insects disrupts these ecosystem functions. Overpopulation of certain insects, without natural predators from birds, can also cause outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture. The campaign in 2024' “Protect Insects,Protect Birds” will highlight the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes. Stay tuned on how you can get involved and follow the hashtags:#ProtectInsectsProtectBirds; #WorldMigratoryBirdDay; #WMBD2024; #11May; #12October; #Insects.

 

EVENTS: In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on two days, 11 May and 12 October, aligning with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres. With birdwatching activities worldwide; The World Migratory Bird Day 2024 will be officially celebrated on the second Saturday of May in Canada and the US (May 11th in 2024), and the second Saturday of October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean (October 12th in 2024). The campaign is a joint effort of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), Environment for the Americas and the EAAFP. The addition of the EAAFP to this Partnership will strengthen engagement and awareness for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Watch the list of events related to birds and Explore some activities!

Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during WWII; May 8-9, 2024.

FORUM: “Observe a minute of silence.” 2024 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during WWII. The Second World War had a profound impact on the international community, and established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations. This weekend marks the official remembrance of the tens of millions of civilians and soldiers who died during the War. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #8may, #9may, #WWIIhistory, #MinuteofSilence, #TimeofRemembrance, #RemembranceDay, #VictoryDay, #VEday, #GreatPatrioticWar.

EVENTS: On 8 and 9 May 2024; to mark the anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the United Nations invite the 193 member countries, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, to pay tribute to the victims of the war and participate to high-level talks. A special exhibition relating World War II through photos will highlight the role of the CIS (former Soviet Union) in the defeat of fascism. Explore the Russian state library International events.

The Military Parade will be held on the Red Square in Moscow to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.

• In Moscow, Russia, On May 9th, the President will attend military parade to mark the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War; The Guests of honor at the parade will be  the President of the Republic of Belarus Mr.Alexander Lukashenkoer, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Emomali Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev,  the President of the Republic of Cuba Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Together with Vladimir Putin, the leaders will also take part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the afternoon, bilateral Russian-Cuban, Russian-Lao and Russian-Bissau-Guinean high-level talks will take place.
• In Normandy France; A tribute to the military soldiers at the American cemetery will be observed.
• At the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the museum will will present the war through exhibits to honor the troops who perished in the fight, they were listed as missing in action or were prisoners of war; the veterans who returned; and the sacrifices of their families in the fight to preserve freedom.
• The Defense Department will pay tribute to all who served the nation during World War II and to the Allied countries whose service members fought side-by-side with America’s forces
• The Auschwitz museum in Poland will lay flowers to remember the millions of jewish murdered. Explore the memorial and exhibits.

Speech by the President of Russia at the military parade to commemorate the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 (May 9, 2024).

Russia is now going through a difficult, milestone period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us. Today, on Victory Day, we realize this even more acutely and clearly and invariably look up to the generation of winners - brave, noble, wise, for their ability to cherish friendship and steadfastly endure adversity, to always be confident in themselves and in their country, sincerely and selflessly love the Motherland. We celebrate Victory Day in the context of a special military operation. All its participants - those who are on the front line, on the line of combat contact - are our heroes. We bow to your perseverance and self-sacrifice, dedication. All of Russia is with you. Our veterans believe in you and worry about you. Their spiritual involvement in your destinies and exploits inextricably binds generations of heroes of the Fatherland. <...> In the West, they would like to forget the lessons of the Second World War, but we remember that the fate of humanity was decided in grandiose battles near Moscow and Leningrad, Rzhev, Stalingrad, Kursk and Kharkov, near Minsk, Smolensk and Kiev, in difficult, bloody battles from Murmansk to the Caucasus and Crimea. <...> At the same time, I would like to emphasize: Russia has never belittled the importance of the second front and the help of the allies. We honor the courage of all the soldiers of the anti-Hitler coalition, members of the Resistance, underground fighters, partisans, the courage of the people of China, who fought for their independence against the aggression of militaristic Japan. We will always remember, we will never forget our common struggle and inspiring traditions of alliance.

Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovitch Putin, President of Russia.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the Military Parade and Wreath laying ceremony.

GALLERY PHOTOS: The Red Square on May 9th, 2024.

PUBLICATIONS: Get and Read the Recommended books.

World Press Freedom Day 2024; May 3rd.

FORUM: "A Press for the planet: Journalism is the face of the environmental crisis." World Press Freedom Day 2024. 30 years after the historic Santiago Declaration, which advanced media independence and pluralism, UNESCO reaffirms its worldwide commitment to defending press freedom of expression. On 2 - 4 May, the Government of Chile and UNESCO will host the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago. The commemoration will be dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WPFD2024, #WorldPressFreedomDay, #freedomofexpression, #PressFreedom, #Apress, #fortheplanet #journalism, #environmentalcrisis, #3may.

EVENTS: Speak Up, Stay Free: from May 2 to 4, commemorate World Press Freedom Day2024 with UNESCO and Chile under the theme ''A Press for the planet: Journalism is the face of the environmental crisis." Explore the agenda programme, the Side-events and Get the list of the panelists!

3 MAY, 2024

Venue – Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile.
All hours in Santiago time.

CONFERENCE TRACKS

Track 1 - Building a sustainable future with Freedom of Expression
Track 2 – Old and emerging challenges
Track 3 – Governance and decision-making
Track 4 - Santiago + 30 Where are we now?
Track 5 – Freedom of Expression Latin America

7:30 - 9:00 - Registration

Accreditation will also be available at the Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral (GAM) on Thursday, May 2, between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
9:00 - 10:05 - Opening ceremony

Plenary Room
Master of Ceremony: Ms. Leonor Varela, actress, Chile

Opening Video: The Important Stuff, presented by Alana, UNESCO, and UNICEFWelcome remarks by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, UNESCO
Keynote address by Mr. Gael García Bernal, Actor, producer and environmental activist; and Ms. Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Welcome remarks by Mr. Gabriel Boric, President of the Republic of Chile

Coros Ciudadanos

10:15 - 11:20 - Plenary Session 1: No future without freedom of expression and access to information.

Plenary room
- Video message from Mr. Sebastião Salgado, Social documentary photographer

- Keynote remarks by Ms. Maria Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Rappler, Philippines Ms. Maria Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Rappler, Philippines.
- Mr. Fredrick Mugira, Founder Water Journalist Africa, Uganda.
- Ms. Minna-Liina Lind, Deputy Foreign Minister for Global Affairs and Co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, Estonia
- Mr. Gael García Bernal, Actor, producer and environmental activist

Moderated by Ms. Paloma Ávila Barrera, Director of CNN Futuro, Chile

11:30 - 12:25 Breakout sessions

Track 1: Climate Disinformation in South America and Beyond.

Organized by Climate Action Against Disinformation Coalition - Union of Concern Scientists | Room C2

Ms. Thais Lazzeri, FALA, Brazil

Mr. Maximiliano Manzoni, Author, Paraguay

Mr. Max McBride, Roots, UK

Ms. Jennie King, Institute for Strategic Dialogue, UK

Ms. Kate Cell, Union of Concerned Scientists, USA

Moderator: Mr. Brett Robertson, University of South Carolina, USA

 

Track 2: (Dis)InfoTactics in the super election year: The scramble to rebuild trust in the media. 

Organized by by DW Akademie | Room A2

Ms. Patricia Mayorga, Periodistas de a Pie, Mexico

Mr. Swapneel Mehta, MIT, India

Ms. Marcela Tobar Ríos, IDEA, Chile

Ms. Gwen Lister, Namibia Media Institute, Namibia

Moderator: Mr. Carsten von Nahmen, DW Akademie, Germany

 

Track 3: Joint Declaration of the Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression. 

 Room A1

Opening remarks: Mr. Raúl Fernandez Daza, Ambassador of Chile to France and IPDC Council and Bureau, Chile

- Ms. Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur

- Ms. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, African Union

- Ms. Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE

- Mr. Pedro Vaca, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Moderator: Andrea Obaid, ACHIPEC, Chile

 

Track 4:  Moving indigenous voices to the center of the Stage. Intercultural communication: between the challenge of production in one's own language and the dispute over stigmatization; 

Organized by Defensoria de Público and UNESCO |  Room N2

- Daniel Zalazar, Centro de Producción Intercultural de Aluminé, Argentina

- Ms. Renata Machado, Radio Yandé, Brazil

- Ms. María Dolores Euseda Cabrera, Radio Dignidad, Honduras

- Ms. Myriam Vargas Teutle, Human rights defender, Mexico

- Ms. Leyla Noriega, Radio Ayni, Chile

Moderator: Ms. Miriam Lewin, Defensora del Público de Argentina

 

Track 5: From the field: Environmental journalism experiences in the America 

Organized by Climate Tracker and UNESCO | Room C1

- Mr. Patrick Murayari, Kukama-kukamiria Indigenous Community in Loreto, Peru

- Ms. Sonia Pérez, Associated Press

- Mr. Nicolas Sepulveda, Journalist, Chile

- Ms. Scarlett Arias, Frontline defenders, Mexico

- Moderator: Ms. Nicole Venegas, Climate Tracker, Chile

 

Workshop: Data-driven investigations in the Amazon Rainforest: journalism contributions for the governance in the region;

Organized by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting | BiblioGAM

Ms. Karla Mendes, Mongabay, Brazil

Mr. Bram Ebus, Independent journalist

13:30 - 14:45 - Plenary Session II: The threats to our future.

Plenary room

- Ms. Andrea Ixchiu, K'iche journalist and environmental activist, Guatemala
- Ms. Alyaa Abo, Investigative journalist and trainer, Egypt
- Ms. Jennifer Robinson, Doughty Street Chambers, human rights and freedom of expression lawyer, Australia
-Mr. Ricardo Pael Ardenghi, Prosecutor, Procuradoria da Republica Em Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Ms. Suntariya Muanpawong, Chief Judge in the Research Justice Division of the Supreme Court of Thailand, Thailand
- Ms. Saba Kidane, Founder of EriSatTV, Eritrea


14:50 – 15:45 Breakout sessions

Track 1: Climate Disinformation in South America and Beyond.
Organized by Climate Action Against Disinformation Coalition - Union of Concern Scientists | Room C2

- Ms. Thais Lazzeri, FALA, Brazil
- Mr. Maximiliano Manzoni, Author, Paraguay
- Mr. Max McBride, Roots, UK
- Ms. Jennie King, Institute for Strategic Dialogue, UK
- Ms. Kate Cell, Union of Concerned Scientists, USA
- Moderator: Mr. Brett Robertson, University of South Carolina, USA

Track 2: (Dis)InfoTactics in the super election year: The scramble to rebuild trust in the media.
Organized by by DW Akademie | Room A2Ms. Patricia Mayorga, Periodistas de a Pie, Mexico
- Mr. Swapneel Mehta, MIT, India
- Ms. Marcela Tobar Ríos, IDEA, Chile
- Ms. Gwen Lister, Namibia Media Institute, Namibia
Moderator: Mr. Carsten von Nahmen, DW Akademie, Germany

Track 3: Joint Declaration of the Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression
Room A1Opening remarks: Mr. Raúl Fernandez Daza, Ambassador of Chile to France and IPDC Council and Bureau, Chile
- Ms. Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur
- Ms. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, African Union
- Ms. Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE
- Mr. Pedro Vaca, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Moderator: Andrea Obaid, ACHIPEC, Chile

Track 4: Moving indigenous voices to the center of the Stage. Intercultural communication: between the challenge of production in one's own language and the dispute over stigmatization
Organized by Defensoria de Público and UNESCO | Room N2Daniel Zalazar, Centro de Producción Intercultural de Aluminé, Argentina
- Ms. Renata Machado, Radio Yandé, Brazil
- Ms. María Dolores Euseda Cabrera, Radio Dignidad, Honduras
- Ms. Myriam Vargas Teutle, Human rights defender, Mexico
- Ms. Leyla Noriega, Radio Ayni, Chile
- Moderator: Ms. Miriam Lewin, Defensora del Público de Argentina

Track 5: From the field: Environmental journalism experiences in the America
Organized by Climate Tracker and UNESCO | Room C1Mr. Patrick Murayari, Kukama-kukamiria Indigenous Community in Loreto, Peru
- Ms. Sonia Pérez, Associated Press
- Mr. Nicolas Sepulveda, Journalist, Chile
- Ms. Scarlett Arias, Frontline defenders, Mexico
- Moderator: Ms. Nicole Venegas, Climate Tracker, Chile

Workshop: Data-driven investigations in the Amazon Rainforest: journalism contributions for the governance in the region.
Organized by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting | BiblioGAMMs. Karla Mendes, Mongabay, Brazil and Mr. Bram Ebus, Independent journalist.

16:00 - 16:55 - Breakout sessions

Track 1: Intergenerational fireside chat: fostering digital resilience and child participation to promote reliable information about climate change

Organized by Instituto Alana | Room A2Mr. João Brant, Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency of the Republic, Brazil
Mr. Francisco Vera, Youth, Colombia
Ms. Awo Aidam Amenyah, founder of Child Online Africa, Ghana.
Ms. Taissa Kambeba, Indigenous teenager, Brazil.
Moderator: Ms. Emiko Sepúlveda, LCOY Chile Coordinator, Chile.

Track 2: Targeting Journalists: under the Crisis of Environment and Armed Conflicts

Organized by Al Jazeera | Room A1Mr. Wael Aldahdouh, Al Jazeera, Palestine (video message)
Ms. Khadija Patel, Al Jazeera, South Africa.
Ms. Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur
Ms. Paula Cejas, International Federation of Journalists, Argentina
Ms. Dima Khatib,Al Jazeera Media Network, Palestine-Syria.

Track 3: Informing the Planet: international mechanisms for accessing environmental information.
Organized by UNESCO | Room N2Ms. Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, Commissioner at the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection of Mexico, Mexico.
- Ms. Constance Nalegach, Head of International Affairs, Chilean Ministry of the Environment, Chile.
-Mr. Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention
- Mr. David Barrio Lamarche, Escazú Agreement Secretariat, ECLAC

Moderator: Ms María Carolina Fuentes Prieto, Journalist and documentalrst, Chile


Track 4: What happened to media pluralism?
Organized by OBSERVACOM, UNESCO Montevideo, DW Akademie | Room C1Ms. Mónica Valdés, Community Radio Activist, Colombia.
- Ms. Rocio Alorda, Colegio de Periodistas de Chile, Chile.
Mr. Martín Becerra, Investigative Journalist and Professor, Argentina.
Mr Luis Salazar, CEPRA, Bolivia
Moderator: Mr. Mauricio Muñoz, CNTV, Chile.


Track 5: Saving the planet and protecting democracy: same fight!

Organized by SOCOLAC and UNESCO | Room C2Mr. Sergio Arauz, El Faro, El Salvador.
Ms. Diana Salinas, Cuestión Pública, Colombia
Ms. Mónica González, Journalist, Chile.
Ms. Veronica Goyzueta, Journalist, Peru
Moderator: Mr. Daniel Matamala, Journalist, Chile.


Workshop: Exploring the Power of Collaboration for a Sustainable Environment and Information Ecosystem.
Organized by IFEX | BiblioGAMMs. Rachael Kay, IFEX, Canada.

17:00 – 18:10 - Plenary Session III : Facing a future for all.

Plenary room

- Ms. Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Honourable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia
- Mr. Giovanni Salvi, Former Attorney General of the Italian Court of Cassation, Italy
- Ms. Maksuda Aziz, Journalist at Mongabay, Association of Bangladeshi Journalists, Bangladesh
- Mr. Antonio Díaz Aranda, Youth Ambassador for Climate

Moderated by Mr. Giles Trendle, Co-Chair the steering committee of Covering Climate Now, UK

18:10 – 18:30  Unity in Action: Unveiling a Joint Declaration by Presidents of UN Bodies

Plenary room

Moderator: Mr. Carsten von Nahmen, DW Akademie, Germany

- H.E. Amb. Simona Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of UNESCO
- H.E. Amb. Dennis Francis, President, United Nations General Assembly (video message)
- H.E. Amb. Omar Zniber, President, Human Rights Council (video message)
- H.E. Amb. Paula Narváez Ojeda, President, United Nations Economic and Social Council

18:30 - 18:45 - Roadmap to the Future

Plenary room

Video message on journalists disappeared and executed during the dictatorship in ChileMr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
Mr. Alberto Van Klaveren, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chile
Ms. Camila Vallejo, Ministry General Secretariat of Government, Chile

SIDE EVENTS: Conferences, seminars and workshops taking place on 2 and 4 May.
More than 40 side events organized by partners will take place on May 2-4. Join compelling panels delving into the growing threats faced by reporters uncovering environmental crimes. Engage with leading investigative journalists, reporters, photojournalists, press freedom and legal experts and more. Join the film screenings and the interactive sessions prepared for you. Go to the list here.

2 May
9:00 - 12:45 - The challenges of artistic freedom and creativity in a context of environmental crisis and artificial intelligence. Organized by UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Chile | Centro de Creación y Residencia Artística
11:00 - 12:30 - Launch of OECD Report “Facts not Fakes: Tackling Disinformation, Strengthening Information Integrity”. Organized by OECD | Centro Cultural La Moneda
14:00 – 17:30 - Environmental crisis: the role of the judicial system to ensure the safety of the critical voice. Organized by UNESCO | Supreme Court of Chile


4 May
Venue: Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral

9:00 - 10:00 Profiling and surveillance: a renewed challenge to freedom of expression for the use of new technologies. Organized by Media Defence | Room A2

Rowing in the Same Direction: Alignment Between Environmental Champions in Government, Media and Civil Society. Organized by the World Bank | Room C2

9:00 - 10:30 The Online Threats to Freedom of Expression and Climate Communication in Latin America and Beyond. Organized by IPANDETEC, Access Now, Global Witness | Room C1

9:00 - 11:00 Investigating Environmental Crimes: Can You Cover Coal Mining or Water Scarcity and Stay Alive? Organized by JournalismFund Europe, Justice for Journalists | Room A1
Percepción de los periodistas sobre la situación de la libertad de expresión y de prensa en Chile. Organized by Colegio de Periodistas de Chile y Universidad de los Andes | Room N2

9:00 - 13:30 GFMD Latin America & Caribbean Summit: Fostering Trust and Collaboration for Journalism Sustainability and Safety. Organized by Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD),Centre for International Media Assistance (CIMA),Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) Media Development Working Group, UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) | BiblioGAM

10:00 - 11:00 Turning justice against freedom of expression: how to tackle the increasing use of SLAPPs to silence journalists and others investigating and reporting on the current environmental crisis. Organized by OHCHR | Room A2
Las deudas de la democracia con la libertad de expresión en Chile: propuestas de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Organized by Coalición por el Fortalecimiento de la Libertad de Expresión en Chile | Room C2

10:30 - 12:30 Sustentabilidad de los Medios de Comunicación y su papel en la defensa de la Libertad de Prensa y el Periodismo ante la Crisis Ambiental. Organized by Asociación Internacional de Radiodifusión (AIR) | Room C1

11:00 – 12:00 Disarming Disinformation: How leading international editors are responding to information pollution in a pivotal year for democracy and the planet. 

Organized by International Center for Journalists | Room A1
Shaping a Positive and Inclusive Vision for the Online Information Ecosystem. Organized by Freedom Online Coalition | Room A2
Protección de periodistas y personas trabajadoras de las comunicaciones: estrategias para avanzar hacia mecanismos de seguridad para la labor informative. Organized by Colegio de Periodistas de Chile | Room N2

11:00 – 12:30 Disinformation and other risks of covering environmental crimes in the Amazon. Organized by CPJ, APC, Intervozes | Room C2


12:00 – 13:30 Defending the Critical Role of Journalists, Scientists and Artists in Times of Environmental Crisis: The UN and Access to Information. Organized by Permanent Delegation of Denmark to UNESCO | Room A1
New data and latest trends in attacks against journalists covering the environment. Organized by UNESCO | Room A2
Iniciativa latinoamericana "Más poder a las personas. Menos poder de las grandes plataformas digitales". Organized by OBSERVACOM | Room N2


12:30 – 13:30 ¿Qué pasa en las salas de prensa y redacciones? Estrategias contra el sexismo en los medios. Organized by Red de Periodistas y Comunicadoras Feministas de Chile | Room C2


Freedom of speech and MIL. Intercultural experiences from Latin America. Organized by MIL Alliance | Room C1


13:30 – 14:30 [ LUNCH TIME] Film screenings by El Pais | Room A2

14:30 – 15:30 Driving climate awareness and literacy on social media: exploring the role of digital content creators and platforms to address the climate crisis.  Organized by

UNESCO |  Room A1 -Beyond borders: environmental journalism as part of bigger picture. Organized by Free Press Unlimited | Room A2

Interlinkages between media freedom, democracy, and security – in a climate of crisis. Organized by OSCE | Room C1 - "Mucho Ruido y Pocas Nueces" Estrategias y soluciones para comunicar la crisis climática y la sostenibilidad: un enfoque científico, comunitario y juvenil. Organized by IPS Academy Association - Citizens' Platform on Climate Change and a Sustainable World program | Room N2


14:30 – 16:00 New narratives to save the planet: gender-sensitive journalism meets environmental reporting. Organized by DW Akademie, Alharaca | Room C2
Ensuring Rights-Respecting Governance of Digital Platforms: Multi Stakeholder Perspectives in the Latin American context and the role of UNESCO Guidelines. Organized by Derechos Digitales | Biblio GAM


15:30 – 16:30 Environmental and climate journalists under fire: Strategies to promote free and safe news coverage of the global environmental crisis. Organized by International Press Institute (IPI), Pullitzer Center, Internews Earth Journalism Network | Room A1
Rewriting climate change narratives: artistic approaches to inclusive storytelling. Organized by Media Diversity Institute | Room A2
Media Resilience: Navigating Information Rights and Journalist Safety in Latin American Environmental Reporting. Organized by OHCHR | Room C1


15:30 - 17:00 Survival Strategies: How Exile Media Adapt to New Realities. Organized by The Center for International Media Assistance, Internews, the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Thomson Reuters Foundation | Room N2


16:00 -17:30 The Media Viability Manifesto: A Common Strategy for Joint Action. Organized by DW Akademie and UNESCO IPDC as representatives of the Media Viability Manifesto initiative. | Room C2.
-What does journalism need to help save the Amazon? Organized by Special Rapporteur of Freedom of Expression - Inter-american Human Rights Court and FLIP | BiblioGAM


16:30 – 17:30 The gender dimensions of disinformation - Freedom of expression and gender justice. Organized by Association for Progressive Communications (APC), United Nations Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Free Press Unlimited | Room A2.

Photojournalism: The challenges and threats to journalistic coverage in the Amazon rainforest. Organized by Fundacion Vista and UNESCO | Room C1.


16:30 – 18:00 International Cooperation for the Pursuit of Innovative Solutions for the Protection of Environmental Journalists and Communicators. 

Organized by ARTICLE 19 Mexico, ARTICLE 19 Brazil , FOPEA | Room A1

17:00 – 18:00 Mujeres e infancias indígenas, rurales, campesinas frente a la violencia en contextos de defensa ambiental, del territorio, y crisis climática en América Latina.

Organized by Red Internacional de Periodistas con Visión de Género (RIPVG) | Room N2


17:30 – 19:00 Case studies of action from the Media Freedom Coalition: supporting journalists at risk through safe refuge and coordinated advocacy. Organized by Media Freedom Coalition | Room A2
A workshop on Youth Voices in the Face of Environmental and Information Pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Organized by University of Southern California, IREX and Ojo Publico | Room C2

Safety of journalists in Latin America: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? 

Organized by SOCOLAC | Room C1
Conversatorio sobre Desinformación y Personas LGBTIQA+. Organized by Observatorio de Participación Ciudadana y No Discriminación del Ministerio Secretaría General de Gobierno de Chile | BiblioGAM


18:00 – 19:00 Uncovering Environmental Crimes in Tropical Ecosystems: Investigative Journalism and Press Freedom in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 

Organized by Internews | Room N2.
- Attacks against journalists during full-scale invasion. Organized by The Reckoning Project, Public Interest Journalism Lab | Room A1

From 3 to 4 May at the The Holistic Safety Clinic. Come get one-on-one consultation from experts on digital safety, physical safety, and psychosocial wellbeing. The consultations can be related to specific incidents or done as a proactive measure. This clinic is organized by IREX. Come see us at our table and sign up for sessions! (location at GAM will be provided).

PRIZES: On May 2nd, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Award Ceremony 2024 will be held.

20:00 – 22:00 - UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano Award Ceremony - 

Venue: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santiago and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (upon official invitation). The ceremony will be livestreamed. Watch it here.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: 3 May, POSTER. Share on social media the Conference banners and other materials using World Press Freedom Day Get them here!