UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day: Reporting in Brave New World
by Naharnet Newsdesk 06 May 2025, 11:33
Under the global theme 'Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media', UNESCO marked on Monday World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a celebration, held under the patronage of Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information.
The event brought together media professionals, technology and AI experts, government representatives, civil society actors, and young journalists to reflect on the evolving relationship between technology and media in an era shaped by artificial intelligence.
The celebration began with opening remarks from Ms. Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Beirut Office, and Minister Morcos. Both emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of expression while also recognizing the transformative potential of AI for the media sector.
'Press freedom is not a privilege; it is a right that must be preserved with vigilance. In this age of innovation and artificial intelligence, it is imperative that journalism and technology evolve together, upholding the principles of truth, democracy, and human dignity. In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with UNESCO to promote the rights of journalists, safeguard our audiovisual heritage, and combat disinformation.' said Morcos.
'AI brings to Lebanon both great promise and significant risks,' said Costanza Farina, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut. 'On one hand, it creates new opportunities for people to access information, connect globally, and amplify underrepresented voices. On the other, it raises serious concerns about misinformation, surveillance, and digital manipulation — challenges that resonate deeply in our local context, where media independence often faces pressure. UNESCO has consistently supported Lebanon in navigating these technological and societal shifts, working closely with our institutional partner, the Ministry of Information, to promote a free, pluralistic, safe, and inclusive media landscape.'
The day was also an opportunity to launch a new Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Campaign, developed by UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Information in Lebanon and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The campaign aims to raise public awareness on critical thinking and equip citizens with the tools to identify and combat fake news and disinformation.
Building on this momentum, UNESCO handed over six cameras to field reporters from the National News Agency (NNA) and Télé Liban. The reporters had previously acquired fact-checking skills through a customized training program, which focused on combating disinformation and upholding media integrity in challenging contexts.
A core feature of the event was a series of interactive thematic sessions that convened media professionals, AI experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors. The sessions provided a space for open discussion, shared insights, and dialogue on the practical and ethical implications of AI in media. Topics included AI's role in fighting and fueling disinformation, its effect on news production and media viability, and the challenges it poses to editorial independence and democratic discourse.
These discussions fostered collective reflection and highlighted the need for robust safeguards and inclusive governance frameworks to protect press freedom.
These thematic discussions were not only enriched by expert perspectives but also energized by the presence of young voices. The active involvement of a team of dynamic university students from the Youth Newsroom initiative added a hands-on learning component to the event. These aspiring journalists covered the sessions, conducted interviews, and produced stories as part of a structured training experience in professional reporting and media ethics.
World Press Freedom Day 2025 provides a platform to examine how AI can both support and challenge the free flow of information, enhance press freedom, and contribute to democratic consolidation and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving digital world. It reaffirms UNESCO's commitment to promoting a media landscape that is free, inclusive, and grounded in human rights standards, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16.10 to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
'Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed' – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
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