World Press Freedom Day 2027
A UN day defending media independence, honouring journalists who lost their lives, and reminding governments to respect freedom of expression.
Quick facts
- Date
- May 3
- Day of the week
- Monday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1993
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UNESCO
- Hashtag
- #WorldPressFreedomDay
Overview
World Press Freedom Day, on May 3, celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, assesses its state around the world, and pays tribute to journalists who have been killed or imprisoned for their work. UNESCO awards the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on or near this day.
History
The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following a recommendation from UNESCO's General Conference. May 3 is the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free-press principles drawn up by African journalists in Namibia in 1991.
- 1948Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects freedom of opinion and expression.
- 1991African journalists adopt the Windhoek Declaration on May 3.
- 1993The UN General Assembly proclaims World Press Freedom Day.
- 1997UNESCO awards the first Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Support independent journalism
Subscribe to or donate to a news outlet whose work you value.
Check before you share
Verify a story with a second reliable source before sharing it.
Speak up for journalists
Follow and share the cases of reporters who are detained.
Quotes
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
No democracy without a free press. 📰 #WorldPressFreedomDay
Journalism is not a crime.
Facts matter. Support those who find them.
World Press Freedom Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday | Passed |
| 2027 | May 3 | Monday | 181 |
| 2028 | May 3 | Wednesday | 547 |
| 2029 | May 3 | Thursday | 912 |
| 2030 | May 3 | Friday | 1,277 |
| 2031 | May 3 | Saturday | 1,642 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Press Freedom Day?
Every year on May 3.
Why May 3?
It is the anniversary of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on a free and independent press.
Who organises the day?
UNESCO, which also awards the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026