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World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for governments to recommit to ensuring the free flow of information and for journalists to reflect on their ethical responsibilities. It reminds us of the invaluable role a free press plays in securing access to information and supporting our informed decision-making in our societies.  

The origins of this global observance can be traced back to the , a landmark statement issued by African journalists in 1991. Calling for free, independent and pluralistic media, the Declaration adopted at a UNESCO-supported conference held in Windhoek, Namibia.  Emerging in a hopeful climate of democratic reform, it laid the groundwork for media freedom across Africa and beyond.  

Later that year, ±«±··¡³§°ä°¿â€™s endorsed the Declaration, and in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. The Windhoek Declaration has since inspired numerous regional declarations and national standards. Its recent inscription on the UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) International Register underscores its enduring significance as a cornerstone of African documentary heritage and a symbol of global efforts to protect press freedom and democratic values. 

The MoW International Register preserves a wide array of records that illuminate global efforts to defend the right to information and freedom of expression. 

Once such example is the Original Negative of the Noticiero ICAIC Lationamericano submitted by Cuba. This series of newsreels produced between 1960 and 1990, captures not only Cuba’s political transformation but also broader global struggles – from Cold War’s ideological divides to Africa’s independent nation-building.  In an era when controlling narrative meant controlling political power, these newsreels offere an unfiltered view of history as it unfolded. 

Similarly, the radio broadcast of Charles de Gaulle’s appeal on 18 June 1940 demonstrates the transformative power of media in times of crisis. Delivered from London during World War II, de Gaulle’s defiant message rallied the French Resistance and symbolized a resurgence of hope. 

The Photographic Archive of El popular, a newspaper linked to Uruguay’s Communist Party, reveals another powerful story. Shut down by the military dictatorship in 1973, the paper’s photographic negatives remained hidden for over 30 years. Today, their preservation offers a rare glimpse into a society in turmoil grappling with political changes fostering reconciliatory conversations about democracy, memory, and justice.  

Legislative milestones have also shaped the path of press freedom. The Swedish Freedom of the Press Ordinance of 1766, the first law of its kind, enshrined the right to free communication of information. It serves as a reminder that democracy is built not only on revolution but also through thoughtful, deliberate legal protections. 

On World Press Freedom Day, we pay tribute to the journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth and highlight the critical importance of preserving their work. The historical records inscribed in ±«±··¡³§°ä°¿â€™s MoW International Register ensure that these stories of struggle and triumph are never lost. Press freedom is not only about reporting the news; it is about safeguarding history. By documenting events and issues, journalists become co-creators of our documentary heritage, enriching historical records with diverse perspectives and voices. World Press Freedom Day reminds us of the need to produce high-quality, trustworthy content that will serve future generations enduring testimony to our shared pursuit of truth and justice.