Published: 03 May 2025
In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day, marking a historic step toward promoting a free press and freedom of expression globally. Since then, the world has witnessed significant progress with the proliferation of independent media and the rise of digital technologies facilitating the free flow of information. Over the past three decades, advancements in human rights and international frameworks have strengthened the global commitment to press freedom.
However, in recent years, the challenges facing journalists and news organisations have grown more complex. Threats, harassment, censorship, and violence against media workers have intensified, narrowing the space for free expression. The need to protect journalists physically, digitally, and institutionally has become more urgent than ever. Globally, World Press Freedom Day 2025 focuses on the impact of AI on press freedom and freedom of expression. It also revisits the relevance of "Information as a Public Good" as outlined in the Windhoek+30 Declaration (2021), unanimously endorsed by the UNESCO General Conference.
This year’s celebration will feature a special Inauguration Session, followed by an interactive session on "Brave New Bangladesh: Reform Roadmap for Press Freedom." It provides a platform to reflect deeply on what is needed to strengthen safety practices, foster a free, independent, professional, and diverse media environment, and build the capacity of media organisations. In this spirit, UNESCO Dhaka, along with its partners, Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) and the Embassy of Sweden, will mark World Press Freedom Day 2025 by organising a small event. The session will explore the interconnections between press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, and sustainable development. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss media reforms, safety practices, and strategies to strengthen the resilience and independence of the media sector.
The press freedom community, alongside organizations promoting human rights, freedom of expression, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will be invited to join and contribute to the celebration. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to defending media independence and paying tribute to journalists who continue to uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom, often at great personal risk.
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