On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful statement highlighting the growing threats facing journalists around the globe and the urgent need to safeguard the essential role of a free press.
“In a world plagued by conflict and division, World Press Freedom Day highlights a fundamental truth: Freedom for people depends on freedom of the press,” said Guterres. He emphasized that independent journalism is not just a profession but a vital public good that supports accountability, justice, equality, and human rights.
The Secretary-General warned that press freedom is under increasing pressure, with journalists facing escalating threats including censorship, harassment, imprisonment, violence, and even death — simply for doing their jobs. He noted with particular concern the rising number of journalists killed in conflict zones, especially in Gaza.
“This is becoming more difficult every year. And more dangerous,” Guterres said.
This year’s theme brings attention to the double-edged impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom. While AI has the potential to advance freedom of expression, it also poses unprecedented risks. The Secretary-General cautioned against the dangers of biased algorithms, disinformation, and online hate speech, describing them as "landmines on the information superhighway."
Guterres reiterated the importance of reliable, fact-based information to counter these threats. He pointed to the Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024, which outlines steps to promote integrity, tolerance, and respect in the digital space.
Moreover, he highlighted the Global Principles for Information Integrity, introduced last year, as a framework to ensure AI and digital technologies uphold human rights and prioritize truth.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, let’s commit to make this a reality and safeguard press freedom and the press everywhere,” Guterres concluded.
The Secretary-General’s remarks serve as a reminder that a free press is not a luxury, but a necessity — one that must be protected now more than ever.
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