Skip to main content
Young woman in a light blue dress © Neven Divkovic - Pixabay

World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2024: Celebrating journalists

Last updated on Tuesday, 09/07/2024

World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on 3 May, serves as a global acknowledgement of the indispensable role journalists play in safeguarding democracy and championing freedom of expression.

Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day commemorates the ‘Windhoek Declaration’ of 1991, which advocated for a free and independent press. In 2024, the theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis’ highlights the crucial role of journalism in addressing environmental challenges.

The origins of World Press Freedom Day trace back to the Windhoek Declaration, a gathering of African journalists in 1991, amidst escalating attacks on journalists during the African Civil Wars. The United Nations officially designated 3 May as World Press Freedom Day in 1993. At its core, the day champions the freedom of the press and expression, recognising them as fundamental pillars of democracy and peacebuilding. Despite progress, many countries continue to censor, penalise, and endanger journalists, underscoring the ongoing need to defend press freedom globally.

Journalists serve as society's watchdogs, disseminating important information, uncovering truths, and holding power to account. Yet, their pursuit of truth often makes them targets of violence and repression, with some paying the ultimate price in defence of free speech and transparency.

Some facts on why we celebrate World Press Freedom Day:

  • Greek viewpoint: A vast majority of Greeks prioritise media reporting free from government interference.

  • Lebanese perspective: Only a minority of Lebanese citizens consider press freedom as very important.

  • Populist opinion: In Western nations, a significant portion of individuals with populist views undervalue press freedom.

  • Scandinavia leads: Nordic countries lead in press freedom rankings, underscoring the importance of media independence.

  • Increasing imprisonment: Journalists face escalating persecution and arbitrary arrests worldwide, particularly in countries like Turkey, China, and Egypt.

The 31st edition of World Press Freedom Day in 2024 was hosted from 2 - 4 May in Santiago, Chile, at the Gabriela Mistral Centre, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Chilean government. More than 40 side events organised by partners complemented the main conference, offering compelling panels, film screenings, and interactive sessions. 

Participants engaged with leading investigative journalists, reporters, photojournalists, press freedom advocates, and legal experts. These events shed light on the growing threats faced by reporters uncovering environmental crimes and emphasise the importance of environmental journalism in driving positive change.

This year's theme underscores the vital role of journalism, access to information, and freedom of expression in tackling the global environmental crisis. By amplifying diverse voices and promoting gender equality, the conference aimed to pave the way for a sustainable future that respects individual rights and fosters inclusive dialogue.

World Press Freedom Day 2024 also marked the presentation of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, recognising journalists who have demonstrated exceptional courage in providing essential information to the public, often at great personal risk. Through this acknowledgement, the international community honours the contributions of these brave individuals and reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom worldwide.

“On this day let’s reflect on the transformative impact that journalists have made throughout history and honour those who have been sacrificed for knowing the truth” – Emma Brownrigg Fenech Maltese journalist.

 

_______________

 Young Journalists in Europe - Meet the author

Emma Brownrigg
Hello! I'm Emma Brownrigg Fenech, an 18-year-old studying journalism from Malta. Raised by political discussions, I've forged a deep interest in societal change. Presently, I serve as the Vice-President of my college. In 2022, I made my parliamentary debut. I eagerly anticipate engaging in global dialogue. Journalism and politics aside I enjoy rock and metal music. My commitment remains steadfast—to utilise media as a catalyst for meaningful societal transformation.

This article reflects the views of the authors only. The European Commission and Eurodesk cannot be held responsible for it.