The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says that 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, is a reminder for governments to respect their commitments to press freedom and is also a day to assess the state of media freedom and reflect on journalists’ professional ethics.
UNESCO adds that the day also supports media outlets facing pressure and threats to press freedom, and it is a day of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives while reporting.
The report states that the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2026 is inspired by major global trends highlighted in UNESCO’s latest report, World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development: Global Report 2022/2025.
UNESCO emphasizes that World Press Freedom Day is observed every year to strengthen the fundamental principles of press freedom, defend media independence, and honor journalists who have been killed in the line of duty.
The day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991, which itself responded to the Windhoek Declaration issued by African journalists.
