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The will be celebrated once again on May 3rd. To define which core aspects should be addressed during the celebrations, the event organisers promoted a participatory debate, bringing together more than 66 organizations from the civil society, media associations, freedom of expression NGOs, public institutions, private sector, and academia, to identify the key issues, problems, and approaches to strengthen the notion of "information as a public good.”

The , sought to reflect on ways to advance the viability of the media in the current digital context, to promote and defend freedom of the press, the safety of journalists, enhance the transparency of online platforms and promote media and information literacy in times of disinformation and hate speech.

Lidia Brito, UNESCO's Regional Director for Sciences in Latin America and the Caribbean, stated during her opening remarks,

"On May 3rd, we will ensure that the region's perspectives and realities are heard at the global level, and we will also contribute to shaping a Declaration that will help advance adequate solutions and approaches to today's challenges."

Luis F. López-Calva, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean; also took the floor to stress the value of such meetings and confirm UNDP's support for this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration.

Rosa M. González, Regional Communication and Information Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean, described May 3rd as "a unique opportunity to mobilize States" around the challenges of freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to access to information.

"The consultation with key actors in Latin America and the Caribbean has been very dynamic and rich in content. This will allow us to put together a thematic proposal for the May 3rd debates that conveys the concerns and approaches of the region to help us build consensus on the next steps," she added.

The ideas discussed during the meeting will be the roadmap for preparing the Regional Forum to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day 2021 on May 3rd, under this year's premise: "." In addition, this date also marks the 30th anniversary of the , which adds a special milestone to the celebration.

• María Rosa González,
  
  Regional Adviser for Communication and Information for Latin America and the Caribbean
  r.gonzalez@unesco.org
• Sandra Sharman,
  
  Communication and Information, Programme Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean
  s.sharman@unesco.org