World Press Freedom Day 2026 Academic Conference, Lusaka, Zambia

Shaping a Future at Peace: Press Freedom, Information Integrity, and Democratic Resilience
In connection with the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026 Global Conference, which will take place in Lusaka on 4th May, UNESCO and partners: University of Liverpool, Oslo Metropolitan University - OsloMet, Universities of Sheffield, Tampere, and Zambia, and the Worlds of Journalism Study invite scholars to submit abstracts for the WPFD’s Academic Conference to be held on 5 May 2026 in Lusaka.
At a time of declining global freedom of expression, rising conflict, digital disruption, and growing economic pressure on independent media, the academic conference will provide a platform for evidence-based research and interdisciplinary dialogue on the future of journalism, information ecosystems, and democratic governance.

 Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals on topics including, but not limited to:

1. Press Freedom, Peace, and Development

Journalism in conflict, crisis, and peace building contexts;

Journalist safety, impunity, and accountability;

Gender-based threats and freedom of expression;

Media freedom, governance, and economic development

 2. Digital Transformation, AI, and Information Integrity

Digital platforms, algorithms, and freedom of expression;

Artificial intelligence and journalism;

Disinformation, information manipulation, and polarization;

Media and information literacy

 3. Media Viability, Pluralism, and Inclusion

Sustainability of independent and public-interest media

Platform dominance and advertising markets;

Media pluralism, gender equality, youth engagement, and inclusion

Interdisciplinary, comparative, and Global South-focused research is especially encouraged, and so are projects that take findings from UNESCO’s World Trends’ Report further.

 Please make note of the following key dates:

  • Abstract submission deadline: 20 February 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 27 February 2026
  • Conference date: 5 May 2026

 To join fellow scholars and researchers in Lusaka in advancing and shaping a future in which press freedom supports peace, human rights, safety and sustainable development, please fill in your details below. Any questions, please contact Dr. Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova at vpetkova@liverpool.ac.uk or Dr. Brenda Bukowa at hod.dmcs@unza.ac.zm.

Email *
1. Name : 
Dr Mary N. Okocha
2.Email address: 
mnokocha@gmail.com
5. Which country are: 
Nigeria
3.Job title :
Lecturer & Broadcaster 
4.Institutional Affiliation  
Dominican 
7. Abstract (300-350 words)  

Being a media practitioner in Nigeria at a period of political pressures, economic vulnerability, weak institutional protections, and growing insecurity, has numerous challenges. Reports on corruption, governance failures, communal conflicts, or security operations can trigger subtle intimidation, overt threats, or professional sanctions. The dilemma becomes critical when ethics and professionalism reporting may expose not only the journalist but also innocent bystanders, family members, and sources to harm. The study aims to contribute to broader conversations on press freedom, media ethics, and journalist safety in Nigeria. Applying Focus Group Discussions, the paper centres the voices of practitioners, and seeks to move beyond abstract discussions of ethics to reveal the emotional, psychological, and professional costs of practicing media in an environment of fear. Thus, contributing to broader conversations on press freedom, journalist safety, and ethical resilience in fragile media environments. Using the forthcoming 2027 Nigerian elections, the paper advances the global conversation on shaping a future at peace through press freedom and information integrity. It argues that protecting journalists goes beyond a media-sector concern to being a democratic prerequisite. When journalists cannot report safely, the public’s right to accurate, verified information is compromised, undermining accountability and eroding trust in governance institutions.

The study therefore seeks answers to the following research questions:

How does journalist insecurity during electoral cycles affect information integrity and public trust in Nigeria? What structural factors sustain impunity for attacks on journalists during politically sensitive periods? How can media institutions strengthen safety protocols while maintaining editorial independence and objectivity? What legal and institutional reforms are necessary to reinforce press freedom as a pillar of democratic resilience?

Drawing on press freedom theory, democratic accountability frameworks, and documented cases from Nigerian media professionals, this paper contends that sustainable peace and democratic stability depend on credible protections for journalists, enforceable accountability mechanisms that safeguard the press and secure the integrity of public information.

 





8. Will you be able to attend in person?
Yes
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9. Will you require a visa to attend 
Yes 
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10. Do you have any special needs and requirements that we need to be aware of? Please specify.
No
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