World Press Summit began in Santiago

More than 60 activities and forums contemplate the 31^a World Press Freedom Day Conference, whose motto is “Press for the planet: journalism in the face of the environmental crisis”, convened and organized by UNESCO and the Government of Chile. It will be dedicated to the importance of the press and journalistic investigation in the context of the current global environmental crisis. The inaugural session will be this Friday with the presence and words of President Gabriel Boric and a speech by former president Michelle Bachelet. “This event will serve to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and will also be an opportunity for reflection among media professionals,” said UNESCO representative Esther Kuisch Laroche. The Minister Spokesperson for the Government, Camila Vallejo, indicated that “This instance allows us to reflect on how much progress we have made in strengthening the plurality of media, the protection of its workers, communications, and the diversity of media.” Among the exhibitors in different forums will be Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, María Angelita Ressa, Filipino journalist and winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, the Mexican actor and environmental activist, Gael García Bernal, the UN special rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, and Sebastião Salgado, environmental photojournalist.

“The century”. Santiago. 2/5/2024. 31 is already underway^a World Press Freedom Day Conference, whose motto is “Press for the planet: journalism in the face of the environmental crisis” and which includes 60 activities and forums to talk about journalism, the right to information and current communication issues. .

This world press summit will take place between May 2 and 4 in the Chilean capital, convened and organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and by the Government of Chile.

A central theme will be the role that the press plays in accessing and disseminating information to guarantee and secure a sustainable future that respects people’s rights and their diversity of voices.

The activities began this day with the international meeting “The challenges of artistic freedom and creativity in the context of the environmental crisis and artificial intelligence”, organized by UNESCO and the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, a meeting of the Supreme Court of Chile with the participants in the activity on “Crimes against the environment: the role of the judicial system in guaranteeing the safety of journalists”, and the presentation by UNESCO of the World Prize for Freedom of UNESCO Press/Guillermo Cano.

This Friday the summit officially opens with the presence and words of the President, Gabriel Boric, and the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay. The inaugural speech will be given by the former president, Michelle Bachelet.

“This event will serve to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and will also be an opportunity for reflection among media professionals and other actors on the important role of research and access.” of the population to vital information. The work of journalists serves as a bridge between complex environmental issues and public understanding of these issues that affect society, driving awareness and action,” said Esther Kuisch Laroche, director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Santiago. .

The secretary of digital policies of Brazil, Joao Brant, the UN special rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, María Angelita Ressa, Filipino journalist and winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, Gael will participate in the different meetings. García Bernal, actor and environmental activist, Leonor Varela, actress and environmental activist, Mónica González, Chilean journalist and winner of the 2010 Guillermo Cano award, Sebastião Salgado, environmental photojournalist, Fredrick Mugira, Ugandan journalist expert in water and climate change issues, among others.

The Minister of Government Spokesperson, Camila Vallejo, said in the “Gobierno Informa” program that “our country this year would be commemorating 30 years since the Santiago Declaration to promote the development of media and democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and “This instance allows us to reflect on how much progress we have made in strengthening the plurality of media, the protection of its workers, communications, the diversity of media, etc.”

In the same space, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, noted that “Chile has been a very active promoter of freedom of expression and the press at the multilateral level. For example, we have sponsored resolutions on press freedom and the right to information in the United Nations General Assembly and also in the organization’s Human Rights Council, which we currently serve. The celebration of this very important day is a recognition of our multilateral tradition, of our commitment to international institutions, a very long-standing relationship.”

The World Press Freedom Day Conference will take place between May 2 and 4 with three plenary sessions and more than 45 parallel events where topics such as building a sustainable future with freedom of expression will be discussed; old and emerging challenges; governance and decision making; Santiago+30 Where are we now?, and freedom of expression in Latin America, among others. The activities and forums will take place on May 3 and 4 at the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM) and the Central Houses of the Chilean and Catholic Universities.

Review the program for the 2024 World Press Freedom Day Conference

Find out about the speakers at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day Conference