World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3. The day is celebrated every year on May 3 to promote the freedom of the media, ensure the safety of journalists and highlight the important role of the media in democracy. This day gives the government, agencies and citizens the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of newspapers.
Why May 3 is celebrated as Press Freedom day?
Following UNESCO’s recommendation in 1991, the United Nations General Assembly officially established World Press Freedom Day in 1993 and it was first observed in 1994. Since then, May 3 has been celebrated as World Press Freedom Day to remember the Declaration of Windhoek, which was adopted in 1991.
The decision was made on the basis of a UNESCO initiative when African journalists adopted ‘Windhok Declaration’. The announcement was made at a seminar held at Namibia’s Windhok on May 3. The declaration called for a free, independent and pluralist newspaper need for democracy and development. It was then recognized as the freedom of the media as human rights and was considered the basis of democracy. From then on, this day is celebrated on May 3 every year.
India’s place
World Press Freedom Day 2025 is being celebrated all over the world today to commemorate the ideals of a free press and pay respect to journalists who risk their lives to seek the truth. The day is commemorated with international events, debates, and campaigns to create awareness regarding media freedom and the increasing problems faced by journalists.
India has risen to position 151 from 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This is a gain from its position 159 in 2024 and 161 in 2023, which shows incremental but perceptible improvement in media freedom levels. The UNESCO flagship event this year takes place in Brussels on May 5–7, with themes of the ethics of AI usage in journalism and how to ensure press freedom during a digital age. The presentation of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize will also take place.
