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In Chile, as part of World Press Freedom Day 2025, UNESCO co-organises activities on the challenges facing journalism
As part of the global commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, which this year will be officially celebrated in Brussels, Belgium, the UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago, in collaboration with prominent Chilean universities, communication sector associations and the Chilean Association of Journalists, will organise a series of activities to reflect on contemporary challenges to freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, World Press Freedom Day (3 May) is a key date to reaffirm the importance of a diverse and independent press as a cornerstone of democratic societies. It also provides an opportunity to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to promote safe and enabling environments for the practice of journalism.
This year, the global commemoration will focus on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism and communication, under the theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
In Chile, the international observance will take place from 6 to 9 May, with a series of presentations and open roundtables aimed at communication professionals, academics, journalism students and individuals interested in freedom of expression and the media. These sessions will provide a space for exchange and promote dialogue among key actors in the communication ecosystem.
Esther Kuisch Laroche, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago, remarked: “In a context of accelerated digital transformation, it is essential to ensure that technological advances reinforce the principles of a free, pluralistic and independent press, which are essential for strengthening democracy and protecting human rights. The activities organised by UNESCO in Chile will provide an opportunity to reflect on current challenges to press freedom, digital platforms, ethics in journalism and the protection of journalists.”
Scheduled activities in Santiago:
1. UNESCO 2025 World Press Freedom Day Commemoration: Platform governance and new challenges for freedom of expression
Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Time: 09:00 to 13:00 hrs
Venue: Casa Central, University of Chile. Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 1058, Santiago
This session will bring together specialists, academics, journalists and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges faced by digital platforms in respecting and promoting freedom of expression.
Further information and registration
2. World Press Freedom Day 2025 Seminar: Press freedom challenges and experiences for journalist safety in Chile and Latin America
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Time: 09:30 to 13:30 hrs
Venue: Salón de Honor, University of Santiago, Chile. Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 3363, Santiago
This seminar will address the risks journalists face in the exercise of their work, as well as the policies and mechanisms needed to ensure their protection in democratic and crisis contexts.
Further information and registration
3. World Press Freedom Day 2025 Academic Meeting: Bridging communication research and society
Date: Friday, 9 May 2025
Time: 09:00 to 14:00 hrs
Venue: Auditorium, Faculty of Communications, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 340, Santiago
An opportunity to strengthen the link between academia, professional journalism and social demands, through research and critical analysis of today’s communication ecosystem.
