Preserving the Windhoek Declaration’s vision for future generations
2025-05-07
The NMT Media Foundation congratulates all involved in the historic proclamation of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Memory of the World.
This recognition affirms the Declaration’s timeless relevance and reaffirms the collective commitment to advancing media freedom, press independence, and freedom of expression globally.
Since its formulation in 1991, the Windhoek Declaration has shaped the discourse on journalism and media policy worldwide. With this Unesco inscription, its legacy is preserved, ensuring future generations benefit from its principles.
Gwen Lister, chairperson of the NMT Media Foundation and of the 1991 conference that led to the Declaration’s adoption, eloquently reflected on its profound impact during her remarks at the official inscription ceremony in Brussels on May 7, 2025: “Even in the face of reluctance by some governments on the continent, then and now, the Declaration’s demand for free, independent and pluralistic press was widely embraced as the public appetite for democracy on the continent grew and as stifling restrictions on the peoples’ right to know began to lift.” Her words highlight the ongoing struggle for press freedom and how the Windhoek Declaration played a crucial role in promoting democracy and media independence globally.
The inscription honours the visionary work of African journalists and recognises the efforts of media organisations, civil society, and governments who have worked to safeguard the role of the press in democratic societies. The Windhoek Declaration’s inclusion also reflects the global movement for media freedom, serving as a catalyst for similar declarations in other regions, including the Alma Ata Declaration (1992) for Asian media, the Santiago Declaration (1994) for Latin American and Caribbean media, the Sana’a Declaration (1996) for Arab media, and the Sofia Declaration (1997) for Central and Eastern European media. These declarations collectively underscore the universal need for independent media to advance democracy and social justice.
The NMT Media Foundation is proud to have supported efforts to secure global recognition for the Windhoek Declaration. We remain committed to its core principles of independence, pluralism, and diversity in media, and we will continue working to ensure these ideals shape media governance both in Africa and globally. In line with this mission, we proudly support the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, awarded annually during the global World Press Freedom Day commemoration. This prestigious prize honours individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the defense and promotion of press freedom, particularly in the face of danger.
We commend the leadership of the Namibian government and its continued support in ensuring the Declaration’s relevance and impact. Looking ahead, we will support governments, media professionals, and civil society to ensure its principles continue to shape the future of press freedom in an increasingly complex digital world.