Global decline of press freedom, at the center of the Lusaka meeting for World Press Freedom Day 2026

The World Press Freedom Day 2026, scheduled for May 4-5 in Lusaka, Zambia, will address the current challenges of freedom of expression and promote independent journalism as an essential element for informational societies. According to the UNESCO report, press freedom has decreased by 10% since 2012, comparable to unstable periods in history.

This decline is exacerbated by armed conflicts, information manipulation, and violence against journalists. The global situation of press freedom is classified as 'difficult', with over half of countries in the 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories.

In Romania, the media landscape is diverse, but the lack of transparency and economic difficulties affect trust in the media. The 2026 event will bring together journalists, activists, and decision-makers to explore solutions and strengthen informational ecosystems, highlighting Africa's role in promoting press freedom.