The international community observes World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, a day established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, following a recommendation from the General Conference of UNESCO. In 2024, this day is commemorated under the theme "Journalism for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis," highlighting the escalating risks of climate change and the urgent need to safeguard global biodiversity.
On this occasion, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Sector, emphasised the pivotal role of media and digital platforms in fostering trust between individuals, governments, and groups. He underscored their contribution to democratising access to communication and information, shaping public opinion towards principles of peace, and countering tendencies of violence, extremism, and hatred. Additionally, he highlighted their role in overcoming obstacles to sustainable development and ecosystem preservation.
The Ambassador highlighted the crucial need to foster an environment conducive to upholding public freedoms, particularly the freedom of the press and media in all its diverse forms of expression. This commitment is essential for establishing a robust Arab media that champions the values of peace, justice, and gender equality. Such media should be attuned to citizens' concerns and aligned with the imperatives of sustainable development at local, national, and international levels.
Regarding the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, Khattabi highlighted that the observance of this international day provides an opportunity to reflect on the humanitarian and moral repercussions of this devastating war, prompting the consideration of the profound questions it raises about the credibility and integrity of Western platforms that uncritically endorsed the false Israeli narrative. This narrative, despite its claims to uphold universal human rights values, has at its core the freedom of the press.
In this context, the Assistant Secretary-General criticised the glaring bias exhibited by certain elements of Western media, which often justify Israeli actions under the pretext of legitimate self-defence while disregarding the grave atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation forces. These acts have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including dozens of journalists, medical personnel, and relief teams, along with widespread destruction of infrastructure, facilities, and homes. Such actions flagrantly violate international law and humanitarian principles, underscoring the urgent need to ensure the safety of journalists in conflict zones.
He further urged for World Press Freedom Day to serve as a moment for serious reflection on the pursuit of a truly independent press. Such a press should operate in alignment with the principles and standards outlined in international and national charters, as well as recognised professional ethics. Efforts should be directed towards fostering independence, transparency, and pluralism within the Arab media landscape, while respecting diverse viewpoints and opinions.
Ambassador Khattabi announced an initiative put forth by His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, during its 54th session scheduled to convene at the end of May in Manama. This initiative entails the Council of Arab Information Ministers discussing the integration of the electoral dimension into the Arab media code of honour. The objective is to strengthen the pivotal role of the media during electoral processes by ensuring the free expression of opinions through media channels and communication platforms. This involves adhering to principles of transparency, neutrality, and guarding against the dissemination of misleading information in the media landscape. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of obtaining information from credible sources, particularly during times of crises.
