As Liberia Poised To Join The World To Celebrate World Press Freedom Day Today, May 3

PHOTO: UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres

By K. Ericson Sayee, Contributing

Monrovia, May 3, 2026–The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has tied world freedom to a maximum press freedom, calling for the protection of journalists and upholding of press freedom.

In his message to the world on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2026, the UN Secretary General says journalists are definitely the cornerstone of peace and good governance, and that when they are unfairly treated, it has the propensity to derail peace and for the world to make significant progress.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. World Press Freedom Day – EN | United Nations

In his 2026 World Press Freedom Day message, Secretary General Guterres asserted: “All freedom depends on press freedom. And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.”

He added: “Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace”.

The UN Head averred that World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder for governments, local, and international organizations to commit and preserve the rights of men and women who are dedicating themselves to the profession that comes with tons of challenges.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe”, Guterres noted.

He divulged that people often say that in war, truth is the first casualty, immensely recognizing the significant strides of journalists, especially media professionals covering global conflicts.

But far too frequently, Guterres noted, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.

Across the globe, he further unveiled that “media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death”.

The United Nations Boss expressed that recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.

According to him, eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished, terming it “an unacceptable level of impunity”.

Digging out other factors impeding the works of journalists, Guterres pointed out economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.

He intimated that when access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root, and when public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.

Liberia poised to join world in celebrating World Press Freedom Day

As global media celebrate World Press Freedom Day today, Liberia is poised to join the rest of the world to honor this day through the Press Union of Liberia.

PUL, as the supreme organization that steers the affairs of journalism in Liberia, has struck plan to celebrate the day. This year’s program will be held in Margibi County, Kakata City, where the indoor program and parade will be conducted.