Media Institute of Southern Africa Botswana Chapter (MISA-Botswana), will this weekend host the 31st World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) commemorations.
The event will be held at the University of Botswana Conference Centre
This year commemorations, under the theme, "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis", marks a significant milestone as it brings together all MISA chapters and officials from UNESCO for a collaborative celebration.
"We are anticipating attendance of approximately 120 delegates from within Botswana and across the southern African region, among them senior government officials, influential media professionals, notable civil society representatives and media studies students and academia as well as UNESCO," reads MISA statement.
The commemorations will feature three key events, commencing with a Regional Summit at 8 am on Friday, 3rd May 2024. The summit is expected to draw participation from all MISA chapters, local and regional Civil Society Organisations, Information Directors from six countries, development partners, and the SADC secretariat. Still on Friday, from 7pm, MISA-Botswana will host a panel discussion, addressed by expects among them Professor Joseph Mbaiwa from the Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Environmental Consultant, Ms Neo Mosimane and Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Office of the President, Mr Oshinka Tsiang. On Saturday, the main commemorations will commence with a march from BTV to the UB Conference Centre, where a fully packed programme awaits. Notable guest speakers include His Excellency President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, who will deliver a keynote address virtually and representatives from UNESCO.
