Monrovia, Liberia – 3 May 2026 The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has announced that Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Liberia will deliver the keynote address at the official commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2026. The event will take place on Monday, 4 May, in Kakata, Margibi County.
Mr. Dia’s address will focus on the global theme: “Shaping a World at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Security, and Development.” The celebration, organized by the PUL, is expected to draw around 100 participants, including journalists, civil society representatives, government officials, and international partners.
The keynote comes at a pivotal moment for Liberia, amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, restrictions on freedom of expression, disregard for the rule of law, and tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border. These challenges, observers warn, risk undermining peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
Panel Discussions
A high-level panel will examine the role of press freedom in advancing human rights and development. Panelists include former PUL President Abraham Massaley, former PUL Secretary General Tom Winston Monboe, independent development practitioner Caroline Boah, Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia Broadcasting System Kadiatu Konteh-Brohiri, and Elias Shoniyin, Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA).
On 5 May, the program will continue with a media–security dialogue, opened by Colonel Gregory Colman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police. Discussions will center on strengthening collaboration between the media and security institutions, with sessions on crisis communication and partnership.
A conference on journalists’ welfare and safety will also be held, followed by the PUL National Media Awards, which will honor excellence, innovation, and creativity in Liberian journalism during 2025.
Press Freedom Assessment
The Union will present its annual assessment of press freedom in Liberia, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities over the past year. Organizers say the 2026 celebrations aim to inspire renewed commitment among national and international stakeholders to uphold press freedom, independent journalism, and freedom of expression—pillars essential to peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
About the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)
Founded in 1964, the Press Union of Liberia is the umbrella organization for journalists and media institutions in the country. A member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), representing more than 600,000 media professionals worldwide, the PUL advocates for press freedom, professional standards, and the welfare of journalists. Through training, advocacy, and institutional development, the Union continues to play a central role in promoting democratic governance and accountability in Liberia.
