Basic Information
World Press Freedom Day or World Press Day is an annual event observed on May 3 to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Observed on: May 3
Organized by: UNESCO, UN
Introduced in: 1993 (UN Proclamation)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Press Freedom Day
Every year May 3 is observed as World Press Freedom Day. World Press Freedom Day is also known as just World Press Day. Aim of the observance of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
UN General Assembly in 1993 proclaimed this day following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991.
Activities and Programs on Press Freedom Day
There were many programs and activities are there around the world to mark this day. On this day media professionals, press freedom organizations and UN agencies come together to assess the state of press freedom worldwide and discuss solutions for addressing challenges. A prize called World Press freedom Prize is issued every year.
UNESCO organized various dialogues and conference in various parts of the World to mark this day.
The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) releases the World Press Freedom Index which reflects growing animosity towards journalists.
Theme for World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day 2021 Theme is “Information as a Public Good“
Press Freedom Day 2020 Theme was “Journalism without Fear or Favour“
Press Freedom Day 2019 Theme was “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation“
Press Freedom Day 2018 Theme was “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law“
2017 Theme: critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies
2016 Theme: Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms – This Is Your Right!
2015 Theme: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Safety in the Digital Age
2014 Theme: Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda
2013 Theme: Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media
2012 Theme: New voice: media freedom helping to transform societies
2011 Theme: 21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers
2010 Theme: Freedom of information, the right to know
2009 Theme: Dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation
2008 Theme: Celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom
2007 Theme: The United Nations and the freedom of press
2006 Theme: The media as drivers of change
2005 Theme: Media and Good Governance
2004 Theme: Who decides how much information?
2003 Theme: The Media and Armed Conflict
2002 Theme: Covering the War on Global Terrorism
2001 Theme: Combating racism and promoting diversity: the role of free press
2000 Theme: Reporting the News in a Dangerous World: The Role of the Media in conflict settlement, Reconciliation and peace-building
1999 Theme: Turbulent Eras: Generational Perspectives on Freedom of the Press
1998 Theme: Press Freedom is a Cornerstone of Human Rights