In 1993, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3rd May as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). This day is celebrated annually across the world to commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom. This was following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) General Conference that had taken place in 1991. It was also in response to a call by African journalists who had produced the Windhoek Declaration, which champions the development of free, independent and pluralistic media. Since the proclamation 30 years ago, the world has seen an emphasis on basic human rights as well as technological advancements. The evolution of how people distribute and consume information and the news has affected the way journalism and the media works. For the global celebration, UNESCO will celebrate this year’s WPFD on 2nd May 2023, with the global theme of “Shaping A Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as A Driver for All Other Human Rights”. 

Moreover, this celebration will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Conference and its Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights, and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hence, UNESCO alongside its partners and the global community will use this special occasion as an opportunity to locate freedom of expression as a pillar of all other human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims the right of everyone “to freedom of opinion and expression” and clarifies that this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media and regardless of frontiers.