Online High-level Dialogue on Press Freedom and Tackling Disinformation in the COVID-19 Context

In May 2020, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (May 3), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s held a live online event to draw global attention to the need for free, independent, and professional journalism to provide reliable, life-saving information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Streamed live on social media platforms in English, French, and Spanish through UNESCO's Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts (and available in English by clicking above), the event began with brief opening remarks by the UN Secretary-General and the UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay. Her address shed light on the role the media can play to combat the disinformation that she describes as amplifying the crisis. Azoulay also discussed COVID-19-related threats to journalists' safety such as restrictions, harassment (particularly in the case of women journalists), and loss of revenue. To face these challenges, Azoulay called for more commitment by national authorities, large internet companies and citizens to value and defend the service rendered to society by the press. These remarks were echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for more commitments and more accountability from political leaders, welcoming recent commitments by online platforms to fight disinformation.

Then, the moderator, Mexican-born American journalist Jorge Ramos, led an open discussion between panelists - including senior-level government representatives and UN members, and representatives of the media and internet industry - on the following themes relating to the COVID-19 crisis:

• The importance of journalism in navigating the crisis
• Fighting misinformation and rumours
• Journalists on the front lines: ensuring their health and safety
• The role of governments: protecting press freedom and independent journalism
• The role of social media and technology: supporting journalism and fighting misinformation

Ramos then invited members of the panel to examine the role and professional obligations of journalists during the pandemic. For example, Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General of Reporters Without Borders, stated that he does not believe the role of journalists has changed at all, and that journalists still "need to be a vector of confidence for a society of trust". At the same time, several members of the panel expressed concerns regarding the future of independent journalism in light of the impact COVID-19 is having on the economic viability of independent journalism.

The panelists were invited to respond to questions from the public, posted through social media. The High-Level Dialogue also featured video addresses by Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and other high-level figures.