Every year on May 3, the whole world celebrates Press Freedom Day. The day is commemorated to highlight the significance of press freedom globally and to recognise the challenges encountered by journalists. The day also pays tribute to all the journalists who have lost their lives. World Press Freedom Day was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. This declaration came after a recommendation made in 1991 at the twenty-sixth General Conference session of UNESCO. The year will mark the 31st anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

World Press Freedom Day: History

The initiative to celebrate World Press Freedom Day was first started by an African journalist during a UNESCO conference in Namibia in 1991. In December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate it after the recommendation of the UNESCO General Conference. The main purpose of this day is to remind the government and the world about the importance of the press in a democracy. It also highlights the freedom that the press needs to express themselves.

World Press Freedom Day 2024 Theme

Every year, the day is marked around a particular theme that highlights the importance of freedom of the press.

In 2024, the theme for World Press Freedom Day is ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.’

Below are the themes of the previous years as well:

• World Press Freedom Day 2023: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights.
• World Press Freedom Day 2022: Journalism Under Digital Siege
• World Press Freedom Day 2021: Information as a Public Good

World Press Freedom Day: Significance

One of the most significant points that World Press Freedom Day addresses is that it puts pressure on countries that try to curb and harm the freedom of the press. It is a day to stand against authoritarianism. The day also shows how much we value the public service provided by honest journalists committed to uncovering the truth. The day also remembers and honours the journalists who gave their lives to keep people informed.