Evoking Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless assertion that "freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no nation can afford to neglect," General Assembly President Dennis Francis has urged a reiteration of pledges "to safeguarding journalists and media personnel globally."
In a statement shared on social media platform X to mark World Press Freedom Day on Friday, Francis, along with Presidents Simona Mirela Miculescu of the UNESCO General Conference, Paula Narváez of the UN Economic and Social Council, and Omar Zneiber of the Human Rights Council, underscored the critical role of journalists reporting on environmental issues.
"We advocate for the enhancement of policies fostering free, impartial, and diverse media, thereby nurturing a vibrant public sphere, essential for fostering peaceful, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities," they emphasized.
Furthermore, they acknowledged the vital contribution of journalists and media professionals, including women, in raising public awareness about climate change, environmental degradation, and disaster occurrences.
Spokesperson Monica Grayely for Francis also remarked that the World Press Freedom Day this year is a celebration of the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the midst of an urgent global environmental crisis.
In a message, UNESCO's Chief Antonio Guterres declared, "The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis that represents an existential threat to present and future generations."
"People need to be informed about this, and journalists and media professionals play a pivotal role in informing and educating them," he stressed.
Guterres also lamented the escalating dangers faced by environmental journalists, noting, "It comes as no surprise that certain influential entities will resort to any means to hinder environmental journalists in their endeavors. Press freedom is under attack, and environmental journalism has become an increasingly perilous profession."
According to UNESCO, over the past 15 years, there have been approximately 750 attacks on journalists and media outlets covering environmental issues.
Highlighting the broader risks confronting journalists globally, Guterres remarked, "Across the globe, media practitioners are risking their lives to report on everything from conflicts to democratic processes."
Expressing dismay over the significant number of journalists killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza, Guterres urged governments, the private sector, and civil society to unite in reaffirming their commitment to upholding press freedom and safeguarding the rights of journalists and media professionals worldwide.
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