Press freedom advocates, journalists, policymakers, and digital rights experts from around the world will converge in Lusaka, Zambia, on May 4 and 5 for the 2026 World Press Freedom Day Global Conference taking place under the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace,” which will highlight the role of independent and pluralistic media in preventing conflict, promoting dialogue and understanding; and strengthening democratic governance.
Organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, the conference will examine emerging challenges affecting the media landscape, particularly in an era where technology, information ecosystems, and human rights are increasingly interconnected.
According to UNESCO, the conference is coming at a critical moment when the relationship between journalism, technology, human rights, and civic space is rapidly evolving, and the boundaries are increasingly intertwined. It will be held back-to-back with the 14th edition of RightsCon, described as the world’s leading conference on human rights in the digital age, further underscoring the convergence of media freedom and digital governance issues.
This convergence provides an opportunity to move beyond diagnosis towards coordinated action, aligning journalism, technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), and human rights actors around practical ways to strengthen information ecosystems for the future.
Observed annually on May 3, WPFD serves as a reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold freedom of expression and protect media freedom and independence.
UNESCO said this year’s event will provide a platform to reaffirm freedom of expression as a key driver of peaceful, inclusive, and democratic societies.
It will enable cross-fertilization of ideas, solutions and approaches, including gender-responsive perspectives, between journalists, digital rights advocates, technologists, policy makers, regulators, civil society organizations, academia, researchers, educators, youth leaders and content creators.
The gathering is expected to bring together a diverse mix of stakeholders, including media professionals, representatives of civil society organizations, policymakers, digital rights advocates, and representatives of international organizations.
The joint timing is expected to deepen discussions on online freedoms and digital regulation, disinformation and information integrity, and the impact of emerging technologies on journalism.
The event will also contribute to ongoing global conversations on press freedom, journalist safety, and access to information, while reinforcing international commitments to protect these rights.
As with previous editions, the conference will feature high-level panel discussions; policy dialogues and expert sessions; networking opportunities for media stakeholders; and presentations of research and global trends.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 to celebrate press freedom, assess its state worldwide, and honour journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Over the years, UNESCO has used the annual global conference as a key platform to bring together stakeholders and address evolving threats to media independence. As preparations for the 2026 conference enter the final stretch, expectations are high that the event will generate new commitments and strategies to safeguard press freedom globally.
At a time when journalists face increasing risks and information ecosystems are under strain, the conference is poised to serve as both a moment of reflection and a call to action for governments, media institutions, and civil society worldwide.
