Marking the 25th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, The United Nations Department of Information in cooperation with UNESCO held the annual observance at UN Headquarters in New York, which included a high-level segment, featuring representatives from the UN and Member States, followed by a panel discussion with media practitioners and academics. This year, 19 Member States composing the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists joined the line of organizing partners. The event was based on the overall theme set for the year “Keeping Power in Check: The Protection of Journalists and Media Workers”. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for diverse actors to discuss the interplay between media, the judiciary and the rule of law, within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, it sought to encourage discussion and promote understanding and awareness about current challenges to freedom of expression as well as achievements.
A group of Fordham students attended the event, and senior journalism student Morgan Conley got the opportunity to ask a question of high level panelists. Carey Weiss, University Director of Sustainability Initiatives, and Beth Knobel, a professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies, helped identify Morgan for this opportunity. Judge Mimi Tsankov from Fordham Law School also attended the briefing.
You can view Morgan asking the question at 37:53 minutes into the UN webcast video below:
Morgan Conley