Al Rai hosts UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day 2019

AMMAN — The Jordan Press Foundation (JPF) — Al Rai on May 15 will host the official celebration for UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day 2019.

The World Press Freedom Day, which took place on May 3, will be celebrated by the JPF at its headquarters. 

A roundtable will be held on this year’s theme of “Media for Democracy: journalism and elections in times of disinformation”, in the attendance of officials, diplomats, activists and journalists concerned with issues pertaining to the freedom of expression. 

Before the commencement of the event, workshops will be held at Al Rai’s Media Training Centre which will address aspects of freedom of expression in times of disinformation, meant for university students specialising in media and journalism. 

The inaugural speech will be delivered by a UNESCO representative, followed by speeches made by representatives from the Jordanian government, the Swedish government and the European Union.

Concluding the event, by a JPF representative will deliver the closing statement. 

JPF Chairman Ayman Majali said that Al Rai’s participation in organising the celebration comes in continuation of its historic role as a media for enlightenment and a guarantor of balance between the people’s right to know and the freedom of expression. 

Majali stressed the importance of “openness” among local and international institutions concerned with the freedom of the press and those that support the free flow of information and the battle against rumours, hate speech and disinformation. 

He stated that Al Rai seeks to cultivate the central role of media institutions, especially when it comes to the training of journalists and cadres connected to the free flow of information and the creation of a legislative environment which supports the freedom of speech within the Kingdom and guarantees its best interests. 

Majali added that those interests lie in the presence of independent media capable of leading public opinion, adopting the nation’s issues and defending its values. 

On the occasion, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay voiced a message to the international community affirming that freedom of the press is the key pillar of democratic societies as it invigorates discussion and the exchange of perspectives on an international level.

Azoulay stressed on the need to guarantee freedom for the press by allowing the exchange of ideas and information based on facts and figures, at a time where distrust in the press is prevalent.