World Press Freedom Day is observed globally on May 3, 2025.  World Press Freedom Day underscores the essential role of a free, independent, and pluralistic press in democratic societies. It serves to:

• Promote and defend press freedom as a fundamental human right.
• Honor journalists who risk their lives or face threats, harassment, or violence in pursuit of truth.
• Raise awareness about the challenges facing journalists, such as censorship, imprisonment, and digital surveillance.
• Encourage ethical journalism and media literacy among the public.
• Remind governments, civil society, and citizens of their duty to protect press freedom, which is vital for transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.

In 2025, the day also highlights the growing impact of digital disinformation and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) on authentic journalism and media safety.

History:

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation from UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. The date, May 3, commemorates the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration in 1991 by African journalists in Windhoek, Namibia. This declaration called for a free, independent, and pluralistic press as a cornerstone of democracy and development.

Theme for World Press Freedom Day 2025:

The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2025 is “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

This theme explores how AI is reshaping journalism and media operations, presenting both opportunities (such as automation and new storytelling tools) and risks (including misinformation, algorithmic bias, and threats to journalistic independence and safety). The focus is on ensuring that AI supports public interest journalism without undermining freedom of expression or democratic participation.

Global Observance:

The day is marked by:

International conferences, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns.

The awarding of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to individuals or organizations defending press freedom under threat.

In 2025, UNESCO’s major event will be held in Brussels from May 5–7, focusing on AI’s impact on media and press freedom.