Australia celebrates World Press Freedom Day with exhibition
featuring powerful journalists’ stories
2 May 2023
Tonight, the Australian Embassy in Thailand celebrated World Press Freedom Day hosting an exhibition highlighting the stories of journalists from Thailand, Australia and around the world. The event also featured a powerful video message from Australian journalist Peter Greste, who was imprisoned for 400 days in Egypt for championing press freedom.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand, HE Dr Angela Macdonald, welcomed media professionals from across Thailand and representatives from the Thai government, foreign missions in Thailand, United Nations agencies, academia and civil society, to the event.
"May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. It is an opportunity to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to journalists, including those who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession," said Ambassador Macdonald in her opening remarks.
The ambassador emphasised that press freedom can help build stronger and more resilient public institutions.
“When freedom of expression and media freedom are stifled, all of our freedoms are at risk. Freedom of the press promotes transparency and good governance and helps build stronger and more resilient public institutions.” Ambassador Macdonald added.
Australia is actively advocating for the protection of journalists and freedom of expression in international forums such as the Human Rights Council, and as a member of cross-regional groups like the Media Freedom Coalition and UNESCO Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists. The country recently passed the National Anti-Corruption Commission legislation, which includes various protections for journalists.
Ambassador Macdonald reiterated that Australia continues to support Thailand in building a prosperous society by upholding the fundamental principles of press freedom.
Click here for Thai version