The World Press Freedom Day Conference

On May 2-4, 2024, UNESCO will host the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Chile. The event is dedicated to the importance of journalism and the freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. 

More than 40 side events were organized by media partners and NGOs. The panels will delve into the growing threats faced by reporters uncovering environmental crimes. Leading investigative journalists, reporters, photojournalists, and press freedom and legal experts will participate in conversations, workshops, screenings, and interactive sessions. 

The Pulitzer Center Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN) will participate in three panels: 

Friday, May 3 

Venue – Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral

11:30am 

Workshop: "Data-Driven Investigations in the Amazon Rainforest: Journalism Contributions for the Governance in the Region," organized by the Pulitzer Center, will explore recent investigations, such as Amazon Underworld and the encroachment of Indigenous land in the Brazilian Amazon. RIN Fellows Karla Mendes, from Brazil and reporting for Mongabay, and Bram Ebus, an independent journalist based in Colombia, will lead the session. 

Saturday, May 4

Venue: Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral 

3:30-4:30pm

• "Environmental and Climate Journalists Under Fire: Strategies To Promote Free and Safe News Coverage of the Global Environmental Crisis" was organized by the International Press Institute (IPI), the Pulitzer Center, and the Internews Earth Journalism Network. 

  This panel will address how the global climate and environmental crisis require accurate, independent, and accessible journalism to inform the public debate, clearly highlight the public interest, and protect those most affected by the crisis. 

  Gustavo Faleiros, director of Environmental Investigations at the Pulitzer Center, will participate with RIN Fellow Karla Mendes and other speakers. 

6:00–7:00pm

• "Uncovering Environmental Crimes in Tropical Ecosystems: Investigative Journalism and Press Freedom in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America" 

  This panel, organzied by Internews, will examine the obstacles faced by journalists covering environmental issues, including extractive industries, pollution, poaching, deforestation, and climate change. RIN Fellow Karla Mendes will be among the speakers. 

We hope to see you at these events celebrating World Press Freedom Day. To stay up-to-date on the Pulitzer Center’s work, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.