Marking World Press Freedom Day 2024 in Dodoma, Tanzania
Tech and Media Convergency (TMC), is set to be part of the World Press Freedom Day 2024. This year’s theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” On May 3rd each year, we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, which serves as a reminder to the government, stakeholders, and the general public of the commitment and importance of freedom of the press in the country. This event began in December 1993, was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, and marks 31 years of its existence this year.
This year’s theme’s emphasis has been placed on goal number 13 in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Action needs efforts and union in preserving it being one of the most challenging and ever-changing issues we need to come together and decide to protect and preserve our environment for the sake of our climate. Goal 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its effects while fostering resilience and adaptive capacities.
Media Actors and Government – United in Support
The international day for the United Republic of Tanzania will be commemorated in Dodoma at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, with government representatives participating, namely, Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson – speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and president of IPU, Hon. Nape Nnauye, the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology of Tanzania, and the guest of honor, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa – the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The event is traditionally hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the respective Ministry and a local host; this year it being the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC).
The Chief Guest of the World Press Freedom Day 2024 in Dodoma, will be the Prime Minister, hon. Kassim Majaliwa
Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) proudly joins the coordinating committee and will actively engage in two sessions. Firstly, TMC will host a “Strategic Dialogue: Journalism for Development” on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 9:20 am to 11:20 am at the Nyerere Room, Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre. The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, UNESCO, Tanzania Editor’s Forum, and TMC are organizing this event together. The discussions will explore the pivotal role journalism plays in fostering development, emphasizing collaborative efforts between media, technology, and government entities for sustainable progress.
The other session that one of our representatives will be participating in is the “Strategic Dialogue: Media, AI, and Emerging Technologies” which will have contributors, Hon. Neema Lugangira (MP), Member of Parliament and co-rapporteur of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Harold Sungusia, President, Tanzania Law Society (TLS), Dr. Baruani Mshare, Director of Learning and Strategy, TWAWEZA East Africa, Nuzulack Dausen, Chief Executive Officer of Nukta Africa and Asha D. Abinallah as the Moderator of the session.
The sessions will span across four days, commencing with a lively 10 km run on day 1. Days 2 and 3 will feature strategic dialogues and workshops, culminating in an excursion on day 4 to the Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The World Press Freedom Day Steering Committee for 2024
World Press Freedom Day serves as a prominent platform for critical thinking, strategic dialogues, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences about the current challenges faced by the press and areas that need improvement.
From this annual conference, media stakeholders and the government can make, change, and implement policies and law reforms based on the recommendations provided by stakeholders. The event also allows donors and partners to engage, launch, and strengthen their contributions to the media, innovation sectors, and ICT.
World Press Freedom Day continues to be a beacon for critical thinking and policy advocacy, this year’s commemoration in Dodoma not only celebrates the milestones achieved but also calls for renewed efforts to protect and enhance press freedom, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of democratic societies worldwide. This year’s theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” aligns with the global call for urgent action on climate change, emphasizing the press’s role in advocating for sustainable practices and policies.