World Press Freedom Day 2026

“Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom

for Human Rights, Development and Security”

Distinguished Chair of Globe International Center,

Esteemed representatives of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO,

Colleagues from international organizations

Honorable speakers and panelists,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today as we mark World Press Freedom Day 2026 – a moment to reaffirm our commitment to a fundamental pillar of democracy that is a free, independent, and pluralistic press. This is a great opportunity to exchange diverse viewpoints that facilitate informed citizenship and the functioning of democratic institutions.

I would like to thank Globe International Center and all partners for bringing us together to reflect on the state of media freedom in Mongolia. This year’s theme resonates deeply here. As a nation that has made remarkable strides in democratic governance since its peaceful transition in 1990, Mongolia stands as a beacon of press freedom in the region.

Independent and pluralistic media isn’t just a pillar of democracy – it’s a cornerstone of security. Access to reliable information strengthens societal resilience, counters disinformation, and enables citizens to make informed decisions. Strengthening media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists is a longstanding, key priority for EU external action. Where media freedom declines, trust erodes – and that opens the door to instability, manipulation, and external influence.

The EU actively supports actions by third countries to improve the transparency of media ownership and the adoption of measures against media concentration. Journalists must also be shield from economic blackmail – no reporter should face the choice between financial survival and self-censorship. And they must be protected from foreign manipulation that use public diplomacy to hide the reality.

The findings of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission also underline structural concerns: political affiliations and economic pressures continue to undermine media independence. At the same time, we must remain vigilant about emerging regulatory risks.

Efforts to address disinformation must not lead to excessive state control over online speech, restrictions on journalists, or the repeal of constitutional protections. Security and freedom of expression are not opposing goals – they reinforce each other. Limiting fundamental freedoms in the name of control ultimately weakens both democracy and long-term stability.

Today, the pressure on freedom of expression is undeniable – and in Mongolia, the signs are clear. Local media outlets are shuttering, particularly outside UB, and many local media typically operate with very few staff members. Financial strains are weakening editorial independence and journalists, bloggers, and civil society actors face renewed cases of intimidation and harassment. These trends are not isolated – they point to a gradual shrinking of the space for free expression.

States must take active steps to prevent violence and to promote a safe environment for journalists and media workers, enabling them to carry out their work independently, without undue interference and without fear of violence or persecution. This is also true for bloggers. CSOs have reported that cases of intimidation and harassment against journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders have been happening again more recently in Mongolia.

I would also like to point out that the prolonged delay in adopting whistleblower protection legislation remains a critical concern. The draft law has been under consideration by Parliament for many years, yet its passage is still pending. The adoption of this long-pending legislation during the current parliamentary session would strengthen transparency, reinforce anti-corruption efforts, and align Mongolia with international best practices in whistleblower protection.

We continue to hear of a possible initiative to introduce restrictive social media regulations, similar to the 2023 draft law on protecting human rights online. Such an approach risks expanding state control over online speech, affecting media workers and bloggers, and reintroducing defamation provisions that the Constitutional Court has already called to be removed from the law.

As highlighted today, strengthening the legal framework, improving implementation, and raising awareness are key steps forward.

Let me conclude with a simple message:

A peaceful and secure Mongolia cannot exist without free and independent media. Protecting press freedom means protecting democracy—and our shared future.

Thank you.