World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is an annual international celebration observed on May 3rd. Established in 1993 by the United Nations, the celebration aims to raise awareness on press freedom and remind the various governments all over the world to continually do their duty of respecting and upholding the right to freedom of expression.
“21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers” is the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2011. This year's celebration also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration for the promotion of free and pluralistic media.
With major events in Washington DC and New York (USA), various celebrations in over 100 countries worldwide are also taking place to mark the observance of WPFD 2011. One of the highlight's for this year, is the awarding
of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize to imprisoned Iranian journalist Ahmad Zeidabadi. The award is being conferred annually on an individual or an organization/institutionwho have greatly contributed to the “defense and/or protection of press freedom, anywhere in the world, especially if it involved taking risks.”
