From Windhoek to the World: 35 Years of Advancing Press Freedom

World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May worldwide. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” resonates particularly strongly in Namibia — the birthplace of one of the most influential documents on media freedom globally.

Adopted in Windhoek in 1991, the Windhoek Declaration has since become a cornerstone for press freedom, not only across Africa but worldwide.

Its core principles — a free, independent and pluralistic media — inspired similar regional declarations across the globe, from Alma-Ata to Santiago, Sana’a and Sofia. Thirty-five years on, its legacy continues to shape how we understand and defend press freedom today. Namibia has played a central role in carrying this legacy forward.

The country consistently ranks among the top performers in Africa on press freedom. It remains within the global top tier, currently placed 28th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Freedom of the press is firmly anchored in the Constitution, and the political and legal environment is widely regarded as conducive to the free exercise of journalism, with independent media also playing an essential role in informing public debate, strengthening democratic governance, and contributing to accountability.

As co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, Finland and the United Kingdom are proud to support and advance these principles globally. T

The Coalition brings together over 50 countries committed to promoting media freedom and the safety of journalists, recognising that a free press is essential to democratic resilience and to the rules-based international system.

Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democratic society. Yet, according to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, global media freedom is in decline.

The need to uphold and defend the principles of free and independent journalism has never been more important. At the same time, it is important to recognise the progress achieved — including the enduring contribution of the Windhoek Declaration — and, in this way, continue strengthening the conditions that allow independent media to thrive.

Investigative capacity

Reliable, fact-based journalism plays a critical role in countering disinformation, supporting informed decision-making, and fostering trust in institutions.

At the same time, the media landscape is evolving rapidly. The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming how information is produced, distributed and consumed. While these developments offer important opportunities for journalism — including enhanced investigative capacity and wider access to information — they also raise new challenges related to accuracy, accountability and the integrity of public discourse.

In this context, the role of professional journalism, grounded in ethics and verification, remains indispensable.

Strengthening media literacy is one important response. Finland, for example, has consistently ranked first in the Media Literacy Index since 2017, reflecting a long-term, cross-sectoral approach to equipping citizens with the skills to navigate complex information environments. Ensuring journalists' safety is equally critical. In the United Kingdom, the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists brings together government, media, law enforcement and civil society to ensure that journalists can operate free from threats, abuse and violence. World Press Freedom Day is an important moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to freedom of expression and free media.

Thirty-five years after its adoption, the Windhoek Declaration remains not only a historic milestone but also a living framework — one that continues to guide efforts to promote human rights, development, and security. From Windhoek, its message continues to resonate worldwide.

*H.E. Neil Bradley, British High Commissioner to Namibia and H.E. Katja Kalamäki, Ambassador of Finland to Namibia.