NATIONAL NEWS
MARGIBI COUNTY – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has announced that Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will deliver the keynote address at the official celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2026.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The event is scheduled for Monday, 4 May 2026, in Kakata, Margibi County.
Mr. Dia’s address will focus on the global theme: “Shaping a World at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Security, and Development.”
This year’s celebration, organized by the PUL, is expected to bring together about 100 participants, including journalists, media practitioners, civil society actors, government officials, and international partners.
The keynote comes at a critical time for Liberia, amid growing concerns over the erosion of democratic norms, attacks on freedom of expression, and disregard for the rule of law by political actors. Ongoing tensions surrounding the Liberia–Guinea border dispute have also raised concerns about stability.
Organizers warn that these developments could undermine peace, human rights, security, and development.
Panel Discussion
A high-level panel discussion will explore how press freedom can advance human rights and development in Liberia.
Panelists include:
- Abraham Massaley, former President of the PUL
- Tom Winston Monboe, former Secretary General of the PUL
- Caroline Boah, independent development practitioner
- Kadiatu Konteh-Brohiri, Deputy Director General for Administration, Liberia Broadcasting System
- Elias Shoniyin, Managing Director, Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA)
Day Two Activities
Events will continue on 5 May with a media–security dialogue, featuring an opening address by Colonel Gregory Colman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police.
The dialogue will focus on strengthening collaboration between the media and security institutions, including sessions on crisis communication and partnership-building.
A conference on journalists’ welfare and safety will also be held, alongside the PUL National Media Awards, recognizing excellence, innovation, and creativity in journalism from January to December 2025.
Press Freedom Assessment
The PUL will present its annual assessment of press freedom in Liberia, reviewing key achievements, challenges, and opportunities over the past twelve months.
The Union says it expects the 2026 celebrations to inspire renewed commitment among national and international stakeholders to uphold press freedom, independent journalism, and freedom of expression, key pillars of peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
About the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)
The Press Union of Liberia is the umbrella organization of journalists and media institutions in the country. Since its founding in 1964, the Union has played a leading role in defending press freedom, promoting professional standards, and protecting the rights and welfare of journalists.
As a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), representing more than 600,000 media professionals worldwide, the PUL continues to support independent journalism and uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
