Rebuilding trust and promoting community

On World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the vital role of media

May 2, 2025

A woman holds a camera and tripod, standing in front of a colorful mural. — Shukri Mohamed Abdi, reporter at Bilan Media. Staffed and run entirely by women with full editorial independence, Bilan covers hard news and in-depth features, holding leaders to account and ensuring that women’s stories and voices are heard.

Photo: UNDP Somalia

In a world increasingly divided by conflict and misunderstanding, the role of the media has never been more crucial. By providing timely and credible information, making space for the open and inclusive exchange of ideas and reminding audiences of our shared humanity, journalists and other media players can facilitate constructive public discourse, contributing to social cohesion and peace. For World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate media changemakers who, with UNDP support, are helping communities connect, promoting understanding and fostering cooperation.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, a country with a complex and often turbulent history, UNDP has a long history of supporting media in promoting dialogue, starting with the Pact for Strengthening Civil Peace in 2013. Most recently, the Country Office has been partnering with Agence France Presse (AFP) in organizing a capacity building initiative aimed at empowering local journalists and reporters across Lebanon. Training sessions and community outreach programmes conducted under this programme are equipping media professionals with the skills needed to report accurately and responsibly, navigate sensitive topics, counter misinformation and create platforms for diverse voices through storytelling. These efforts are contributing to a more informed public and a more peaceful society by helping communities to reconnect and rebuilding trust in public dialogue.

A diverse group of people gathered around a table, discussing with focused expressions.

A woman speaks into a microphone with a presentation screen behind her.

Kenya

During Kenya's 2022 election, UNDP contributed to broader United Nations efforts to support a coalition of organizations working together to counter hate speech and misinformation in the media. In collaboration with an innovative high-tech consortium, stakeholders employed technology to track and counter hate speech and incitement in real time. In a context characterized by high levels of internet penetration across society and high levels of information pollution, this initiative took advantage of digital solutions to monitor online platforms, identify harmful content and respond swiftly to mitigate its impact. By fostering digital peacebuilding, these efforts aimed to create a safer online environment, rebuild trust and promote unity among Kenyans.

A woman in colorful attire stands near a traditional hut made of sticks in a desert setting.

Four young women are sitting on the grass, enjoying conversation and using phones, surrounded by trees.

A smiling man in a hoodie holds a laptop in an office setting.

A woman in a black outfit smiles while talking on her phone in an alley.

Somalia

In Somalia, an all-women media team is making waves through their mission “to give voice to the voiceless and tell the stories that matter”. The courageous women of Bilan report on community realities through storytelling grounded in local contexts. Their work not only breaks gender barriers but also promotes freedom of expression in a challenging environment compounded by stereotypes, discrimination and threats of violence. Their reports bring to light the issues faced by their communities, fostering inclusive dialogue and understanding – changing narratives and perspectives across cultures. Founded in 2022 with UNDP’s support, Bilan has earned global recognition and proved that media can be a powerful tool for change and trust-building.

Three women converse, one smiling while holding a notebook, against a colorful wall.

A news presenter smiles at the camera in a studio with a world map background.

Two women in traditional clothing sit across from each other at a news studio table, with a bright backdrop.

A woman sits at a radio station desk, speaking into a microphone.

A woman sits at a radio station microphone, looking thoughtful.

Young woman speaks into a microphone while wearing headphones in a studio.

Colorful mural on a blue wall featuring people and objects, surrounded by greenery.

Woman smiling with a camera stands in front of a colorful mural depicting unity and peace.

Bolivia

In Bolivia, initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of peace are making a significant impact. UNDP was instrumental to the creation of first national platform of Journalists for Peace as well as the “Do no harm campaign”. By engaging citizens at the local level through community dialogues, cultural events, and peacebuilding activities, independent journalists and news media outlets are working together to help communities bridge divides, foster dialogue and promote mutual understanding. Efforts to foster social cohesion are crucial in a country with a history of social and political tensions, demonstrating the power of media in peacebuilding and its potential to lead national conversations towards reconciliation.

Aerial view of a diverse group of people seated around a large table, engaged in discussion.

A group of people in traditional clothing sits in a hall, facing a stage with presentations.

Media’s vital role

These stories illustrate the vital role of media in fostering inclusive dialogue and social cohesion, thereby strengthening peace and democratic resilience in divided societies. With support from UNDP, public interest media actors are amplifying voices, promoting civic participation and driving local change. Their efforts are making a tangible difference and proving that, even in the most polarized environments, understanding and cooperation are possible. As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, let us recognize and support the efforts of these everyday media heroes who are building more inclusive societies where people are informed, connected and empowered to shape their futures.

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