Events

The Difference Day conference 2020 goes online: Join us on 3rd May 2020 at 5pm for an interactive livestreamed event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day 2020.

Every year on the 3rd of May, the world celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of the profession. On this occasion, the VUB and the ULB will organize the fifth edition of the Difference Day Conference, together with many partners and under the patronage of UNESCO.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Difference Day 2020 will however look slightly different as this year’s annual event will come to you in the form of a livestreamed and interactive event.

Keynote speakers including Mr. Guilherme Canela, UNESCO Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression, Ms. Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Human Rights and Media Law specialist, and this year’s laureate of the Difference Day Honorary Title will join the event and discuss the current challenges to guarantee ‘Journalism without Fear or Favour’, the theme chosen this year for the global celebrations.

In times of crisis, the importance of accurate and reliable journalism cannot be overstated. Yet, since 1993 more than 1387 journalists have been killed ‘in the line of duty’ or merely for the fact of being a journalist. Recent examples have shown how journalists around the globe, including in Europe, are being silenced or criminalized for reporting on sensitive topics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing a free and independent media and ensuring journalism without fear or favour are therefore more than ever essential for democracy to survive.

Be part of the discussion, the polls, the Q&A’s and listen to the first-hand testimonies of experts on the field.

Join Difference Day the 3rd of May 2020 at 5pm and follow the free livestreamed event on www.differenceday.com

Contact:

Adeline Hulin (a.hulin@unesco.org)

Related Links: