NET-MED Youth Speak Up on World Press Freedom Day

Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms. This is your Right!

That was a strong enough call for 16 NET-MED Youth members to actively take part in UNESCO's celebration of the 2016 World Press Freedom Day in Helsinki, Finland, on May 2-4, 2016.

The global event sought to make young voices heard. And these came form different countries benefiting from the project to speak out, share ideas and get involved. 

“This was an occasion for us, NET-MED Youth participants, to meet key media players from Arab countries and other parts of the world that are engaged in the fight for press freedom," said Imane Bounjara, a participant from Morocco. "It was also an opportunity to highlight the need for media inclusivity, particularly for youth and women.”

On May 2, a side-event organized by NET-MED Youth in cooperation with MedMedia highlighted the insights that emerged from the “Youth on Screen” initiative, which began the previous year. During the event, youth  presented creative ideas for new television programmes to an audience of TV professionals and young civil society advocates.

“This experience has really given me hope about how the image of young people in the media can be improved,” said Samira Dehri, a young Algerian participant. “My slogan today is: yes we can, we are the key!”

Five of the NET-MED Youth participants, alongside 39 other young women and men, also took part in the Youth Newsroom that covered the celebration – the biggest edition to date! Young reporters at the Newsroom produced written stories and interviews, podcasts, videos, photos and social media content. Their work was featured on the Youth Newsroom website, on a magazine disseminated among World Press Freedom Day attendees before the event´s closing session, as well as on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

“Participating in the newsroom was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life,” said Mohammad Oreiby from Lebanon. “It was so enriching to meet and interact with people from all over the world, get to know their traditions, and share information about their respective countries."

“In a world witnessing disunity, conflicts and wars, sharing this experience with peers from different cultures and nations has united us and our efforts,” said Saleh Kishta from Jordan.

Participants in World Press Freedom Day also had the opportunity to attend networking events and panels that focused on freedom of expression in the Arab region. 

“This event was truly inspirational,” said Bechara Ghaoui from Lebanon. “I can’t wait to return to my region and promote freedom of expression until the press is free and every individual is able to say whatever they want without fear of repercussion."