MONROVIA — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has announced that Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), will deliver the keynote address at Liberia’s official commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2026.
The event is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, in Kakata, Margibi County.
Mr. Dia is expected to anchor his keynote on the global theme: “Shaping a World at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Security, and Development.”
Broad Participation Expected
This year’s celebration, convened under the auspices of the PUL, will bring together approximately 100 participants, including journalists, media practitioners, civil society actors, government officials, and international partners.
The gathering comes at a critical time for Liberia, amid growing concerns over democratic governance, including alleged erosion of democratic norms, threats to freedom of expression, and tensions linked to the ongoing Liberia–Guinea border situation. Organizers say these developments underscore the urgency of reinforcing press freedom as a pillar of peace, accountability, and development.
High-Level Panel Discussion
A key feature of the celebration will be a high-level panel discussion examining how press freedom can drive human rights and national development in Liberia.
Panelists include:
- Abraham Massaley, former President of the PUL
- Tom Winston Monboe, former Secretary General of the PUL
- Caroline Boah, independent development practitioner
- Kadiatu Konteh-Brohiri, Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia Broadcasting System
- Elias Shoniyin, Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA)
The panel will explore practical strategies for strengthening independent journalism and leveraging media freedom to support governance and development outcomes.
Day Two: Media–Security Dialogue and Awards
Activities will continue on May 5 with a media–security dialogue aimed at fostering improved collaboration between journalists and security institutions.
The dialogue will be opened by Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, and will include sessions on crisis communication, trust-building, and institutional partnership.
The second day will also feature:
- A conference on journalists’ welfare and safety
- The PUL National Media Awards, recognizing excellence, innovation, and creativity in journalism for the 2025 calendar year
Annual Press Freedom Assessment
As part of the commemoration, the PUL will present its annual press freedom assessment, offering a comprehensive review of progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities within Liberia’s media landscape over the past year.
The Union says the report will provide critical insights to guide policy, advocacy, and reform efforts aimed at strengthening the media sector.
Commitment to Press Freedom
The PUL expressed confidence that the 2026 celebration will galvanize renewed commitment among national and international stakeholders to uphold press freedom, independent journalism, and freedom of expression.
“These principles remain essential to sustaining peace, protecting human rights, and advancing inclusive development in Liberia,” the Union emphasized.
About the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is the umbrella organization for journalists and media institutions in Liberia. Established in 1964, it has played a leading role in defending press freedom, promoting professional journalism standards, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of media practitioners.
As a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which represents more than 600,000 media professionals worldwide, the PUL continues to champion independent journalism and constitutional guarantees of free expression through advocacy, training, and institutional development.
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