UNESCO hosting global conference to mark World Press Freedom Day

KATHMANDU: UNESCO and the Republic of Uruguay are hosting the annual World Press Freedom Day Global Conference in a hybrid format in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Digital era’s impact on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information and privacy are being discussed at the conference being held under the theme “Journalism under Digital Siege”. The conference will be held till May 5. World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story. May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. UNESCO believes that freedom of the press and freedom of expression allow for mutual understanding to build sustainable peace.

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