World Press Freedom Day 2026: Joint Statement

Lusaka, Zambia

As the United Nations advances reforms to renew and strengthen its work for the decades ahead, it is essential to reflect on the foundations that guide our collective action. In a world marked by armed conflict, deepening inequalities, climate stress, technological disruption, the exponential growth of misinformation, and growing mistrust, shaping a peaceful future is not aspirational rhetoric; it is a strategic and moral imperative. A future-ready United Nations must remain firmly anchored in the principles that sustain peace, protect human dignity, uphold the rule of law and promote sustainable development, principles that resonate far beyond the United Nations system and that unite the many stakeholders who celebrate World Press Freedom Day.

The belief that the free flow of ideas, knowledge and culture paves the way to global peace remains central to all United Nations activities. Such a flow cannot exist without freedom of opinion and expression for every individual, strengthened by a free and independent press and pluralistic media to inform the public. These are cornerstones of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and international cooperation. Any credible vision for a more peaceful and just world must preserve and reinforce this commitment.

Underpinning democratic governance, accountability and the rule of law, freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which underlines that ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’

Freedom of expression is reaffirmed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and is integral to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Goal 16, calling for peaceful, just and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. These commitments are not abstract principles; they are practical foundations for stability and shared prosperity.

We recall that independent, pluralistic and diverse media are indispensable actors in building, safeguarding and sustaining peace. By providing accurate, timely and fact-based information, journalists reduce misinformation and harmful content that can inflame tensions, fuel hatred and incite violence. By giving voice to all segments of society, including women, youth and marginalized communities, independent media foster inclusion, participation and social cohesion. By exposing grievances, corruption and injustices through responsible, verified and fact-checked reporting, journalists create space for dialogue, accountability and peaceful redress rather than confrontation and conflict. In fragile and conflict-affected settings, professional journalism can support reconciliation processes, document truth, counter incitement and help rebuild trust between institutions and communities. In stable societies, it strengthens resilience by promoting informed civic engagement and enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in public life. In all contexts, a free press serves as an early warning mechanism, helping societies identify emerging risks and address tensions before they escalate into violence.

At the same time, we unequivocally condemn the killings of journalists and media workers, as well as all acts of violence, intimidation and harassment against them. Such crimes strike at the very heart of democracy and peace. Attacks on journalists and media workers, arbitrary detention, harassment, online and offline violence, censorship and the misuse of laws to silence critical voices erode trust and deepen polarization. Where the press is restricted, grievances fester, disinformation spreads unchecked, and societies become more vulnerable to division, instability and conflict.

Promoting accountability and ending impunity for crimes against journalists are essential, as such impunity not only violates individual rights but also weakens institutions and undermines the foundations of peace and security. When journalists are silenced, societies are deprived of the information necessary to make informed decisions and to resolve disputes peacefully.

We commit to ensuring that, as the United Nations evolves to meet the challenges of its next decades, it remains steadfast in defending and promoting press freedom as a driver of peace, resilience and democratic governance. In an era of rapid technological transformation, with the expanding role of digital platforms and emerging technologies, safeguarding press freedom is more urgent than ever. While innovation offers new opportunities for access to information and participation, it also presents risks, including the amplification of harmful content and the erosion of trust in reliable sources. Strengthening media and information literacy, supporting professional and independent journalism, and fostering transparent and accountable information ecosystems are essential steps toward ensuring that technological progress contributes to peace, human rights and sustainable development.

At the heart of the United Nations system, we reaffirm that press freedom is not peripheral, but rather central to our mandates across peace and security, development and human rights. Protecting journalists, combating impunity, eliminating misinformation and disinformation, and promoting an enabling environment for free and independent media are responsibilities shared by Member States and by all stakeholders.

A peaceful, safe and secure future cannot be achieved without transparency, accountability and the free flow of information.

On this World Press Freedom Day, we call upon governments, institutions including media organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector and individuals everywhere to strengthen their commitment to freedom of expression. Let us ensure that journalists can work safely and independently, that laws protect rather than restrict media freedom, and that information ecosystems foster dialogue rather than division. In doing so, we not only defend a fundamental right, we lay the groundwork for more resilient institutions and more inclusive societies, paving the way for peace.

H.E. Mr Khondker M. Talha
President of the UNESCO General Conference

H.E. Ms Annalena Baerbock
President of the United Nations General Assembly

H.E. Mr Lok Bahadur Thapa
President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council

H.E. Mr Sidharto R. Suryodipuro
President of the United Nations Human Rights Council

H.E. Dr Nasser Bin Hamad Al Hinzab
Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board