World Press Freedom Day Global Conference 2025 to focus on Artificial Intelligence, Press Freedom and the Media

The World Press Freedom Day global conference to be held in Bucharest on 5 - 7 May 2025 will address the intersection of freedom of expression and artificial intelligence. The announcement was made during an official formal handover ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Titled "Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media," the conference will highlight the risks and challenges to the right to information; advocate for an improved AI governance, and ensure AI is designed, used, and deployed in accordance with international human rights standards.

With Romania as a host, World Press Freedom Day global conference returns to Eastern Europe after a decade since the event took place in 2015 in Riga, Latvia.

The ceremony was led by H.E. Ms. Simona Mirela Miculescu, in the presence of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Delegate of Romania to UNESCO; H.E. Mr. Raúl Fernández Daza, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France and Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Chile to UNESCO, host country of the 2024 Conference; and Mr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO. 

Registration is now open

You can now register to attend World Press Freedom Day Conference in Romania ! We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an exciting global celebration that promises to inspire and engage. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an incredible event dedicated to press freedom and the vital role of journalism in our societies.

Save your seat and register now. Stay tuned for more details coming your way soon! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Call for Proposals for Side-Events

Are you interested in organizing a side-event in Bucharest? UNESCO is calling for proposals for side events on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day Global Conference in Bucharest. Side events will take place on the "Day of Action" on May 5.

The Conference will spread over three thematic tracks:

1. Challenging the Future of Journalism in the Era of AI 

2. The Struggle to Seek and Receive Reliable and Accurate Information in the Era of AI 

3. Old and Emerging Challenges and Opportunities for Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press 

Each of these three thematic tracks will cover multiple sub-themes, offering a platform for participants to share experiences, success stories, good practices, and innovative ideas. UNESCO recommends organizing side events around the themes of these tracks. The organization of these side-events does not fall under UNESCO’s purview. UNESCO’s role only involves the selection of the side-events proposals.

Submit your application before January 30. 

Please note that:

• The selection of side events will depend on the availability of the rooms, the relevance, creativity, innovation, diversity and inclusion of the event proposed. 

• Side events are a direct responsibility for the organizers. Travel costs and accommodations have to be covered by side event organizers themselves.

Call for Nominations: UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2025

UNESCO is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2025 edition of the prestigious UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Established in 1997, this annual award honors individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made remarkable contributions to defending and promoting press freedom globally, especially when achieved in the face of danger. 

Member States, as well as international and regional professional and non-governmental organizations working in journalism and freedom of expression, are invited to nominate up to three candidates for the Prize. 

To submit nominations, complete the form and send it before February 15, 2025. 

The Prize is supported by the Guillermo Cano Isaza Foundation, the Namibia Media Trust, and Democracy and Media Foundation.

For more information, visit UNESCO's website.

For more information, contact

Guilherme Canela, Chief of Section,
Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.
g.godoi@unesco.org

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