Fatoumatta: Worldwide, governments and press organizations mark World Press Freedom Day with significant fanfare, including issuing statements, holding symposia, and organizing marches. Has President Adama Barrow or his Information and Propaganda Minister made any statements commemorating World Press Freedom Day in The Gambia? On this day, governments, ministers responsible for the press, and press associations and unions typically issue statements. They emphasize the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” urging journalists to advocate for policies that promote sustainability and protect the planet.
As the Gambia joins the global community in observing World Press Freedom Day, the world faces an environmental crisis of unprecedented scale, threatening not just the Earth but the future of humanity itself. World Press Freedom Day, commemorated annually on May 3rd, acts as a reminder for governments around the globe to uphold their commitment to press freedom. On this occasion, media professionals engage in introspection about press freedom issues and journalistic ethics. Key points highlighted on World Press Freedom Day include:
Government officials and press organizations underscore the critical role of a free press as a fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Journalists are vital in uncovering corruption, chronicling conflicts, and delivering essential information that enables citizens to engage fully in their societies.
On World Press Freedom Day, it is imperative that the Gambia government reasserts its steadfast dedication to the protection of journalists’ rights and their safety and security. The government, as both a ministry and an administration, should ensure journalists have the most unrestricted access and foster a supportive environment that promotes the significant growth of the Gambia’s media. We firmly believe that press freedom is not only a basic human right but also crucial for environmental sustainability. Only with a free and independent press can the media effectively tackle the intricate environmental issues confronting us.
Disinformation and misinformation have a negative impact on our ability to address environmental issues effectively. They create confusion and undermine public understanding of ecological issues, making it difficult to take meaningful action. Therefore, it is crucial that we all defend press freedom and support journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth. However, this day also reminds us of the importance of responsible journalism. It calls on the press to be factual, truthful, and accountable in their reporting. We cannot overemphasize the need to be nationalistic and patriotic. As journalists and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we need to see ourselves as strategic partners in our nation’s development. Anything less than this is unacceptable. Let us work together to create a future where journalism can thrive, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come.
On World Press Freedom Day, it is expected that the government, represented by the Minister, would reaffirm its dedication to the principles of a free and independent press, which are fundamental for effective climate journalism. It should be acknowledged that press freedom is vital for fostering transparency, accountability, and social justice, all of which are crucial in conveying the urgency of the climate crisis.
The government should pledge to support journalists and media practitioners as they collaborate across sectors and borders to leverage the power of the media in tackling the environmental crisis and promoting sustainable development. Journalism plays a critical role in pushing forward ecological initiatives, driving change, serving as a guardian of accountability, and giving a voice to those who are unheard.
Today, the Minister should emphasize the critical need for ‘Press for the Planet’ to garner public support for global and national initiatives such as net zero, energy transition, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, and the 30 by 30 initiative to end plastic pollution, among other strategies to tackle the environmental crisis. Regrettably, misinformation about environmental issues is undermining public and political backing for climate action, effective policies, and the safeguarding of vulnerable populations, including women and girls impacted by climate change. The influence of climate change on communities in the Gambia is a case in point, where misinformation has led to insecurity in certain areas. The media’s role in molding public opinion and influencing behavior essential for Earth’s protection is crucial, particularly in the Gambia, where there is a high engagement with media
content. It is imperative to involve the media and climate change stakeholders in addressing this global challenge to combat the misinformation and disinformation plaguing our planet.
The impact of climate change on communities in the Gambia is undeniable, and misinformation has exacerbated insecurity in certain areas. The media’s influence on public opinion and behavior, crucial for Earth’s protection, is particularly significant in the Gambia, where media consumption is notably high. Today, it is imperative to engage both the media and climate change stakeholders to combat the misinformation and disinformation surrounding planetary crises. The 2024 celebration aims to examine the role of journalism and freedom of expression amidst these global environmental challenges, under the theme “A Press for the
Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
Fatoumatta: UNESCO acknowledges World Press Freedom Day as a time for media professionals to reflect. It highlights the necessity for governments to maintain their commitment to press freedom and promotes the celebration of its core principles. We should persist in supporting journalists and media workers in their quest for truth and press freedom. Long live The Gambia, long live Gambian journalism, and long live the forerunners and innovators of the Gambian Press—the Gambia Press Union.
