Free and independent media is an essential pillar of a democratic society – and truly open government both requires media freedom and can enable it. This high-level session brings to light the importance of media freedom, access to information, and the safety of journalists to open government, and demonstrates how open government reforms can help journalists and media organizations perform their essential roles of informing the public, reflecting citizens’ views and concerns, and holding the powerful to account.
Speakers:
- Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
- Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO (opening remarks)
- Allison Peters, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State
- Ricardo Avelar, Journalist and producer at Factum, online independent outlet in El Salvador
- Sarah Wesonga, Programme Officer – Transparency and Access to Information, Article 19 Eastern Africa
- Catherine Gicheru, veteran journalist, ICFJ Knight Fellow, Founder/Director Africa Women Journalism Project (moderator)
This session is co-organised by the Media Freedom Coalition and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, in cooperation with UNESCO.
Date and time: Wed 6th September from 11.00 – 12.00 CET
Watch the session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXTGM_DTGBY
