World Press Freedom Day 2026

Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day brings an issue back to the center of the international agenda which, rather than celebrated, should be constantly verified: the real state of information in the world.

The anniversary, established to monitor and defend the principle of freedom of the press, is configured as a moment of political and civil assessment involving governments, institutions and media professionals.

The occasion invites States to formally renew their commitment to freedom of expression and to measure the distance between declarations of principle and actual practices. In parallel, it becomes a space for reflection on the role of journalism in maintaining democratic balances and in building non-conflictual relationships between political power and civil society.

For those who work in the information field, the day also takes on an internal function of self-evaluation. Professional ethics, responsibility for the news and conditions of exercise of journalistic work emerge as central nodes of a system increasingly exposed to economic, technological and political pressures.

But May 3rd is not just an institutional anniversary. It is also a moment of solidarity towards those media and journalists who operate in contexts of censorship, intimidation or suppression of press freedom. In many cases, the date coincides with the memory of those who lost their lives while carrying out their work, transforming the celebration into a form of collective commemoration.

This is the message launched by UNESCO

Peace begins with the truth.

Access to reliable and verified information is not an option. It is a fundamental element for building peaceful, just and resilient societies.

Yet today this base is under pressure. Freedom of expression has declined by 10% globally since 2012. Self-censorship among journalists has increased by 63%, while there is a growing tendency to avoid investigations into corruption, human rights and environmental issues. At the same time, impunity for crimes against journalists remains at 85%.

When information is manipulated, it fuels divisions and undermines trust. When it is free and truthful, it strengthens responsibility, dialogue and human rights.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO calls for renewed commitment to protect freedom of expression and support journalism as a pillar of peace.

Journalism shapes peace.

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom