This year's World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of journalism in the context of the latest technological developments and challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a profound influence on journalism and media. It is transforming the sector, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI's role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability. We must more than ever before join our efforts to ensure AI strengthens, rather than undermines, press freedom and democratic values. For this reason, Czechia initiated a resolution on human rights and digital technologies in the United Nations - a first of its kind. At the occasion of its adoption on the 19th of December 2023by the plenary of the UN General Assembly, Minister Lipavský said: "New technologies can contribute significantly to the expansion or promotion of human rights and freedoms. However, they should not be used to suppress or restrict them," confirming that Czech diplomacy focuses on the protection of human rights and fundamental rights and freedoms, both offline and online.

Unfortunately, technological threats are just the tip of an iceberg of growing challenges that independent and pluralistic media must face both in Europe and globally. They operate in increasingly dangerous conditions, both in conflict zones and beyond. Brave journalists and media workers, especially women and minority voices, are increasingly being subjected to threats and attacks, including online and offline harassment, disinformation campaigns, abuse of the legal system, and the closure of newsrooms. Moreover, the challenges they face are further deepened by shrinking sources of material support and the associated pressure on media agencies to restructure their operations and to ensure both quality and independence with limited resources.

In this light we are proud to announce that Czechia continues to lead by example – according to the latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, it has risen seven places to join the top 10 countries in media freedom globally. Support for freedom of expression and the independent media is also among the long-term priorities of Czech foreign policy and an integral part of our response to the current hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns. We do so regularly by means of participation on projects of the Czech NGOs in the priority countries of the Transition Promotion Program and cooperation with international organizations based in Prague, most importantly our partner Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Moreover, we provide financial contributions to international bodies and funds that promote media protection and development including the Global Media Defense Fund, as well as direct allocations of small grants to credible local NGOs and media agencies that stand up for independent and reliable information in their home countries. In 2024, the overall Czech financial contribution related to the freedom of media abroad exceeded 3 million EUR. We also help endangered journalists and their families in a practical way through visa support, when they are forced to leave their country of operation urgently for security reasons, and advocate for their freedom in cases when they face trials just for doing their work. Being a co-founder of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) and an active member of both the MFC Executive Group and the UNESCO Executive Board, we have further stepped up our global engagement in this regard. Czechia is also currently a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2025-27 period (already for the fifth time within the 20 years of its existence), with freedom of expression and the media among our priorities.

The ongoing war in Europe clearly underscores the importance of free press as a source of independent and verified information that leads to appropriate response of democratic governments. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to appreciate the tireless efforts of all brave journalists and media workers who remain determined to provide the public with independent and verified information despite all the risks of their profession, and assure them of continued support from Czechia. Likewise, we want to express our gratitude and ongoing support to all our partners who help us fight for freedom of expression and the media worldwide. In the face of unprecedented global challenges, we must protect and promote media freedom - it is more important today than ever before.