Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all human rights

Media stakeholders from across Africa will convene for the second Africa Media Convention (AMC) in Lusaka, Zambia, from 11 to 13 May, 2023. This year's hybrid convention is a culmination of the 30th World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) anniversary celebrations commemorated on the 3rd of May each year. The 2023 celebrations run under the theme 'Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights."

The convention will see African Media stakeholders and partners deliberate on the theme and topics related to freedom of expression. The convention comes a few weeks after a UN organized regional workshop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to improve the understanding of freedom of expression, access to information, the safety of journalists, and related issues throughout the UN System, specifically targeting UN Resident Coordinators in Sub Saharan Africa and country teams.

Side events will include the launch of the 3rd edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report and training of the AU Media Fellows on use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence in journalism.

This year's Africa Media Convention commemorations advocate for the full commitment to guaranteeing press freedom and regard freedom of expression as a necessary precondition for the enjoyment of all other human rights by governments. The celebrations will also draw media professionals to reflect on issues of press freedom, the right to access of information, safety of journalists and professional ethics.

The event is expected to increase awareness on the importance of guaranteeing freedom of expression for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).

The event will bring government officials from Ministries of Information and key partners in media development from across the African continent.

To participate in the AMC, kindly register here(link is external).