Abuja, Nigeria- Friday, May 2, 2025: As the world prepares to commemorate World Press Freedom Day tomorrow Saturday, May 3, 2025, The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) is organising an event today May 2, 2025, to commemorate this significant day, to celebrate and reflect on the principles of press freedom, the challenges faced by journalists, advocate for the independence and safety of media professionals and honor journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media, “ reminds us of the complex and evolving relationship between journalism, artificial intelligence (AI), and press freedom. In Recognition of the unprecedented threats to press freedom in the digital age, the event will explore how AI can support and stifle freedom of expression, highlighting the dangers of AI, including biased algorithms, misinformation and disinformation, and hate speech. The event underscores the urgent need to shape AI to uphold human rights and prioritise accurate, verifiable, and fact-based information.
The event will bring together media experts, lawmakers, AI and technology specialists, policy and governance experts, academics, journalists, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, accommodating physical and virtual participation. The event includes workshops and training sessions to empower journalists with tools to strengthen their digital security, address misinformation and disinformation, and promote accurate reporting. The event also consists of a panel discussion where experts will evaluate the multifaceted impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, specifically concerning trust and safety.
The overall objective of this day is to raise awareness about challenges faced by journalists and reaffirm a collective commitment to safeguarding press freedom and the press. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness about the significant threat that AI poses and to provide a deeper understanding of the implications of AI technologies on press freedom and the broader media landscape, the importance on why AI must be shaped in a way that is consistent with human rights; thereby empowering journalists and media professionals to navigate the complexities of AI technologies more effectively and adhere to the best journalistic ethical practices, recognised as the best way to overcome these emerging challenges.
We at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) recognise that free and independent journalism is an essential public good; it is the backbone of accountability, justice, equality, and human rights, critical in fostering democratic accountability for inclusive and sustainable development. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing advocacy, research, civic technology, and capacity building, we strive to create an environment conducive to independent journalism and media freedom, safeguarding and promoting freedom of expression and the press across Africa.
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) stands in solidarity with journalists across Africa. It reiterates its commitment to defending and promoting press freedom and advocating for the protection, welfare, and safety of journalists, thereby fostering an environment where the media can thrive in Nigeria and across Africa.
