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Celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 3 with pride and recognition! This day was established in 1993 by the United Nations to celebrate the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and press. It is a reminder that a free press is essential for democracy and human rights, and it also serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of journalists around the world who work hard to investigate stories and report the truth. There are many ways you can get involved on this day – from honoring inspiring journalists to simply raising awareness about press freedom. So join in on this special day and make your voice heard!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO's Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was formed to promote peace & security through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences, and Culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Universal Declaration of Human Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which encompasses press freedom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Windhoek Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Journalists in Africa held a conference culminating in the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles, that provided the blueprint for World Press Freedom Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First World Press Freedom Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly established May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day in response to a call by African journalists who proclaimed the Windhoek Declaration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO established the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist who was assassinated after speaking out against drug trafficking.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Theme: "Information as a Public Good"</div><div class='timeline-text'>Each year, World Press Freedom Day has a theme. In 2021, it was "Information as a Public Good", emphasizing the importance of cherishing information as a commodity that is essential to democracy and sustainable development.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a newspaper</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to sit down and read a newspaper or magazine. See the different stories and perspectives that are being shared and appreciate the freedom of the press.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a journalist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for a journalist whose work you admire and find ways to support them, either financially or through social media.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write an article</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write your own article or blog post about a subject that matters to you and have it published in a local newspaper or online.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events that are being held in your area to celebrate World Press Freedom Day. Attend to show your support, learn more about press freedom, and meet other people who care about this important issue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Tell your own story of how press freedom has impacted your life, either positively or negatively, and encourage others to do the same.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters innovation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When media outlets and journalists can operate freely, it encourages the dissemination of new ideas and gives rise to an open discourse. This stimulates critical thinking and promotes creativity, which in turn generates growth in many other areas such as business, technology and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It upholds democratic principles</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In most democracies, citizens need access to reliable information sources in order to make informed decisions at the ballot box. Without a free press, delivering impartial news coverage, governments can control what their citizens hear and manipulate public opinion accordingly. World Press Freedom Day celebrates freedom of expression for all citizens.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fights corruption & injustice</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When media outlets are free from government interference and advocacy journalism is allowed, they are often quick to uncover cases of corruption and abuse of power. This acts as a check on those in authority, enabling the public to identify problems with governance or social structures, so reforms can be introduced where necessary.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Press Freedom Day is Celebrated by Over 100 Nations</h3><p class='facts-content'>This day was first celebrated in 1993, and since then, over 100 countries across the globe have joined in, highlighting the widespread engagement in upholding press freedom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Press Freedom Day Recognizes Both Professional and Citizen Journalists</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not only does this day honor professional journalists, but citizen journalists, bloggers, and anyone who voices their opinion publicly, demonstrating how press freedom extends beyond just the media industry.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It’s Also a Day to Commemorate Journalists Who Lost Their Lives</h3><p class='facts-content'>Hundreds of journalists are attacked each year and many lose their lives. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of these brave individuals who've paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for truth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Press Freedom Fosters Other Fundamental Freedoms</h3><p class='facts-content'>Press freedom contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights including freedom of speech, freedom from censorship, and the right to truth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a Measurable Freedom of Press Index</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, organizations like Reporters Without Borders compile a World Press Freedom Index. The index offers an assessment of the media landscape in 180 countries, providing valuable insights into the state of freedom of press globally.</p></div></div>
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year. In 2024 World Press Freedom Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
May 3
Wednesday
2024
May 3
Friday
2025
May 3
Saturday
2026
May 3
Sunday
2027
May 3
Monday
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