Canada and Botswana to co-host second Global Conference for Media Freedom

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

October 26, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada will co-host the second Global Conference for Media Freedom with Botswana on November 16, 2020.

This online conference will bring together traditional and digital media workers, international and civil society organizations, and governments. It will provide a forum to develop collaborative and innovative approaches that counter the challenges to media freedom and that strengthen the protections required to safeguard journalists, freedom of expression and human rights around the world.

Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, will deliver the keynote address at the global conference. The High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, chaired by Lord Neuberger and deputy-chaired by Amal Clooney, will also provide an update on its work.

More information about the conference, including further speaker and registration details, will be made available on the 2020 Global Conference for Media Freedom web page over the coming weeks.

Quotes

“A vibrant and free media is essential to democracy and human rights. During this critical time, we must stand together to protect the freedom of media workers who pursue necessary truths, within and beyond our own borders. Canada looks forward to co-hosting the 2020 Global Conference for Media Freedom with Botswana. Let’s remain united in our efforts to overcome threats to the vital work and safety of journalists around the world.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • Canada and the United Kingdom co-hosted the first Global Conference for Media Freedom in London in July 2019.

  • Since 2015, Canada has invested $18.2 million in programs supporting the media and the free flow of information.

  • In 2019, Canada committed $1 million to the new Global Media Defence Fund, administered by UNESCO.

  • Canada leads and supports resolutions on freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

Associated links

Contacts

Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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