Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their position. The theme of the 26th celebration of the Day was “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”. The main event, jointly organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and took place in Addis Ababa on 1-3 May.
This year, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO and the Globe International Center organized an event on the occasion of the Day on 2 May in Ulaanbaatar. Ms Uyanga Sukhbaatar, Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, Ambassador of the French Republic H.E. Mr Philippe Merlin and Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU H.E. Mr Traian Laurentiu Hristea gave opening speeches at the event.
Furthermore, with support of the Embassy of French Republic in Mongolia, the cartoon competition among youth between 16-24 ages was held, with the aim to sensitize the youth to emerging challenges regarding press freedom and freedom of expression, the process of elections in times of disinformation. More than ten students participated in the competition and the best three were awarded. Ms B.Uyanga (17yrs), student of Mongeni secondary school took 1st place, Ms Kh.Ganganmurun (20yrs), student of School of Fine Arts and Design took 2nd place, and Ms B.Minjin (21yrs), student of School of Fine Arts and Design took the 3rd place. The winners were awarded by Ms Esther Piccinali, attaché of the Embassy of the French Republic in Mongolia for their excellent participation and contribution. The competition was held for the second time.
Since 2009, Globe International Center’s Media Freedom Award has been presented annually to those journalists and media professionals who contribute to advancing media freedom, serve in the public interest and face pressure, intimidation and legal proceedings in line with their duty. This year’s winner of the Media Freedom Award “For the Truth!” was the website www.ikon.mn.
The Press Freedom Report that has been prepared by Globe International Center annually since 2005 were distributed to the participants of the event.
This year, it was crucial to emphasize not only the current role of the media in the process of democratization, but also raise awareness of emerging threats, as well as protecting the real news flow during the upcoming election in 2020.
The second half of the event was fully dedicated to raise awareness among the stakeholders and address the issues through panel discussions on each sub themes of the event. Ms G. Gunjidmaa, executive director of Media Council of Mongolia, Ms Ts. Munkhtsetseg, advisor of the Mongolian People’s Party, Mr Kh.Temuujin, vice-chair of the Democratic Party and Mr S.Sharavdorj, president of the Local Media Association were panelists of the first discussion “Media’s potential to contribute to a culture of democracy and democratic election”. B.Oyumaa, chief of the Information, research and methodology division of the General Election Commission and T.Batbold, specialist of the Communication’s Regulatory Commission were panelists of the second discussion “How the digital area is affecting election”. Media Council of Mongolia stated that the council will pay special attention to the disinformation and fake news on the Internet during the upcoming election campaign.
Mongolia has over 400 media organizations and 4462 media representatives, 49% of which are journalists and reporters (by the end of 2018). Mongolia ranked on the 70th place from 180 countries by the press freedom index.
