RESIDENT COORDINATOR'S VIDEO SPEECH FOR WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2026

Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Colleagues and friends,

On behalf of the United Nations in Tanzania,

I am pleased to join you virtually in commemorating World Press Freedom Day under this year’s theme:

“Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights,

Development, and Security.”

This theme reminds us that credible information is not a luxury.

It is the foundation of trust between citizens, institutions and nations.

In a world where misinformation spreads quickly and polarization can deepen, a free, professional and responsible media is essential.

It helps protect human rights, supports accountability, strengthens public confidence, and enables societies to make informed decisions.

This is also central to development.

As Tanzania advances towards Vision 2050, credible information will be critical in building public understanding and mobilizing citizens around national transformation.

Economic transformation, including domestic resource mobilization, broadening the tax base, deepening capital markets and growing the domestic private sector require trust.

And trust depends on access to reliable information.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen press freedom, media professionalism, access to information, and a credible information ecosystem.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm that press freedom is essential to human rights, development, security, and a peaceful future for all.

Asanteni sana and I wish you all Kila la Heri in Arusha!

Watch Video Speech here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1iqsQtD6j/