Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis

Monowara Begum Moni along with a participant at the Press Freedom Day 2024 conference at Shantiago.

Monowara Begum Moni

The President of Chile Gabriel Boric, inaugurated the 31 World Press Freedom Day on 3. May 2024, in Santiago, Chile at the Gabriele Mistral Central in collaboration with UNESCO and the Chilean government.

More than 40 side events organisend by partners complemented the main conference, offering compelling panels, film screenings and interactive sessions. UNESCO’s Director General Audrey Azoulay, and the former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet (2006-2010) were present among others at the opening ceremony.

Ex-President Bachelet emphasized that “this region is the only one that has an agreement of this type. It is a historic treaty that aims to guarantee access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making, access to justice in environmental matters in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

As president Boric delivered his speech it came to a violent wave of protest for the murder of 30-year-old Chilean journalist Francisca Sandoval. The female journalist died after being shot during International Workers’ May Day Protests in 2022 in Santiago.

This year’s theme for the Day was “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the

Environmental Crisis” and focus on the importance of journalism and freedom of

expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres through his video message said: The world is going through an unprecedented environmental emergency which poses an existential threat to this and future generations. People need to know about this – and journalists and media workers have a key role in informing and educating them.

Through their work, people come to understand the plight of our planet, and are mobilized and empowered to take action for change. 2023 participants took part in 2-4 May 2024 WPFD conference.

A free press is not a choice, but a necessity. International days and weeks are occasions to

educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.