In a joint statement, senior United Nations leaders said press freedom remains central to peace, democratic governance and global stability as the organisation advances reforms for the future.
Senior United Nations officials have reaffirmed that press freedom remains a cornerstone of peace, democratic governance and sustainable development.
The statement was issued by Khondker M. Talha, President of the UNESCO General Conference; Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly; Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the UN Economic and Social Council; Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, President of the UN Human Rights Council; and Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board.
Marking World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every year on May 03, the officials stressed that in a world facing armed conflict, inequality, climate pressures and rising misinformation, “shaping a peaceful future is not aspirational rhetoric; it is a strategic and moral imperative.”
They added that a “future-ready United Nations must remain firmly anchored in the principles that sustain peace, protect human dignity, uphold the rule of law and promote sustainable development”.
Central to this vision, they said, is the free flow of ideas, knowledge and culture, which “cannot exist without freedom of opinion and expression for every individual, strengthened by a free and independent press and pluralistic media to inform the public.”
These principles, they noted, are enshrined in Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The leaders highlighted the essential role of independent media in fostering peace and social cohesion, noting that journalists provide “accurate, timely and fact-based information” that helps counter misinformation and prevent conflict.
By exposing corruption and injustice, they said, responsible journalism creates space for “dialogue, accountability and peaceful redress rather than confrontation and conflict.”
They also strongly condemned violence against journalists, warning that “such crimes strike at the very heart of democracy and peace,” and stressing that attacks, harassment and censorship “erode trust and deepen polarization.” Ending impunity for crimes against media workers, they added, is critical to safeguarding institutions and maintaining stability.
The statement calls for governments and stakeholders worldwide to protect press freedom and ensure safe working conditions for journalists.
“A peaceful, safe and secure future cannot be achieved without transparency, accountability and the free flow of information,” the leaders said, adding: “In doing so, we not only defend a fundamental right, we lay the groundwork for more resilient institutions and more inclusive societies, paving the way for peace.”