In 1993 the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Freedom of Expression implies respect for the opinion of others. It recognises the fact that there is a difference between each of us and our opinions. To celebrate freedom of expression is to celebrate diversity. Freedom of the press is an essential aspect of the freedom of expression. Without a free and independent communication landscape it is impossible to build and sustain a democratic society. ‘The Fourth Estate’ is the counterbalance of the legislative, the executive and the judicial power of the state. Only in a system where there are solid and transparent checks and balances, creativity, free research, culture and the arts can flourish.

The events in Paris of January 7th 2015 (Charlie Hebdo), where eight journalists were killed, were the manifestation of a sad and horrible trend. Since 1992 more than 1100 journalists were killed ‘in the line of duty’. More than one third of the world’s population lives in countries that do not have a free press.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Erasmushogeschool Brussel, BOZAR, Evens Foundation & imec, together with other partners (WAN, EBU, ACT, MPAA, European Commission, UNESCO, European Parliament ..) nominate May 3rd as Difference Day. For us  celebrating freedom of the press and freedom of expression means honouring people and organisations that make a difference in protecting and promoting these values.

On Wednesday May 3rd we will start the day with parallel sessions with speakers, films, debates, exhibitions that challenge the freedom of expression and press. The rich and diverse program is being filled as we write this.

Again the day will be crowned with a networking and award evening.

For the program click here.

EURACTIV is a Media Partner of this event.