About World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, highlights the importance of a free and independent press and honours journalists who have lost their lives in their work. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation by UNESCO.
World Press Freedom Day makes the case to governments and the public that a free press is essential to democracy and to people's right to information. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1993, following a recommendation from UNESCO.
The date marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of principles for a free, independent and pluralistic press drawn up by African journalists in Namibia in 1991. The day is also a time to remember journalists who have been killed, jailed or threatened for their work.
How it is marked
UNESCO holds a global conference and presents the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Press clubs, journalism schools and media organisations host discussions on media freedom, safety and ethics, schools and colleges run sessions on media literacy and spotting misinformation, and readers thank the reporters, editors and photographers whose work they rely on.
In India, journalists' associations and press clubs often mark the day with talks and tributes. India also observes National Press Day on 16 November.
What to write
Thank the person for their honesty and hard work, and wish them safety.
- Thank you for asking the awkward questions at every press conference. Stay safe and keep going.
- Read your piece on the water tanker racket twice. Proud to know you, and please be careful.
- To our local reporter, thank you for covering the broken school road when nobody else would. It finally got fixed.
How to wish someone on World Press Freedom Day
respect for honest, independent journalism and gratitude to reporters who keep the public informed
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Press Freedom Day on 3 May?
It marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, adopted in Namibia in 1991, which set out principles for a free, independent and pluralistic press.
What is the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize?
It is an award presented by UNESCO around World Press Freedom Day to honour a person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to press freedom, often in the face of danger.
Is World Press Freedom Day the same as National Press Day in India?
No. World Press Freedom Day is a UN observance on 3 May, while National Press Day in India is observed on 16 November and is linked to the Press Council of India.
When is World Press Freedom Day in 2026?
World Press Freedom Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
What is World Press Freedom Day?
World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, highlights the importance of a free and independent press and honours journalists who have lost their lives in their work. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation by UNESCO.
Is World Press Freedom Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Press Freedom Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Press Freedom Day?
Focus on respect for honest, independent journalism and gratitude to reporters who keep the public informed. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Press Freedom Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .