Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the U.S. Embassy in Somalia joined forces to celebrate World Press Freedom Day with a symposium themed ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.
This event, held on May 2, 2024, brought together journalists, civil society representatives, and government officials to discuss the crucial role of journalism in addressing the global environmental crisis.
The symposium was graced by several notable speakers, including the UK Ambassador to Somalia, who has been a strong ally of journalists and the free expression community in Somalia. The UK government’s support for press freedom in Somalia was highlighted as an essential part of the nation’s development.
Ambassador Mike Nith, the UK representative, emphasized the importance of press freedom in ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights. He noted that journalists play a critical role in providing the public with accurate and timely information, especially in the face of environmental challenges.
The African Union (AU) message was delivered by Ambassador Souef Elamine, who underscored the AU’s commitment to enhancing the safety and security of Somali journalists. Elamine stressed that the protection of journalists is a fundamental component of democratic societies and a necessary condition for effective reporting on environmental issues.
Shane Dixon, the U.S. Embassy Chargé D’affaires a.i., reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting locally led initiatives. Dixon expressed pride in the partnership with NUSOJ and emphasized the importance of a free press in holding governments accountable and promoting sustainable development.
The symposium also featured discussions on the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on environmental issues, including disinformation, censorship, and threats to personal safety. Participants shared their experiences and strategies for overcoming these obstacles, emphasizing the need for collaboration and solidarity among journalists and civil society organizations.
In his closing remarks, Abdirahman Abdirizak, Abdirahman Abdirisak, chairman of Punsaa bases in Puntland who was a participant in the symposium, thanked NUSOJ for organizing the event and reiterated the importance of press freedom in addressing the environmental crisis. He called on journalists to continue their work in providing accurate and unbiased reporting, despite the many challenges they face.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and to honor those journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2024 edition of the event focused on the role of journalism in the face of the environmental crisis, highlighting the need for accurate and timely information to inform public debate and policy-making on environmental issues.
