World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd, as a reminder to governments worldwide of their responsibility to uphold press freedom and support media professionals in their work. This year, DCN Global is hosting an online discussion featuring speakers from around the world, highlighting the challenges faced by media professionals and their unwavering commitment to a free press.
In honor of World Press Freedom Day, let's take a closer look at the inspiring individuals who will be speaking at the event and their contributions to the field of journalism.
Alina Koushyk, the United Transitional Cabinet Representative for National Revival, Belarus
Alina Koushyk is a journalist, presenter, and producer who has been working at Belsat TV for the past 15 years. She has founded numerous social projects and co-founded the Center for Belarusian Solidarity in Warsaw and InBelKult 2.0, as well as a club of Belarusian women in Warsaw. Alina believes that national revival is the key to Belarus' victory, and she is committed to using her platform to share the stories of the Belarusian people.
Maria Shevchenko, journalist and a documentary film director, Ukraine Maria Shevchenko is a journalist and a documentary film director who has been documenting the stories of soldiers, volunteers, and civilians in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Best Short Film Award at the Bastau IFF and the Best Student Doc award at the Pärnu IFF. Maria's documentary series "Winners" shares the inspiring stories of sports coaches achieving high results in small towns in Ukraine. She is dedicated to using her work to shine a light on the realities of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.
Lidia Sánchez, journalist, Mexico Lidia Sánchez is a Mexican journalist who has worked for the Agence France-Presse (AFP), The Associated Press (AP), and Protection Group International (PGI) debunking disinformation and analyzing hate speech trends on social media platforms. She is dedicated to using her platform to fight disinformation and promote truth and transparency in journalism.
Michael Mwila Kaluba is an award-winning journalist who has participated in investigations with France24, the South African Sunday Mail, the Free Press Initiative (FPI), and several other local and international organizations. He is also an experienced radio personality, reporter, and news anchor who entered the media in 2008 as an untrained radio and TV presenter for the national broadcaster, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). Michael is committed to using his platform to promote access to information and support a free and informed media.
Alyona Koshkina is a Media Literacy Program Manager at MediaNet International Center for Journalism in Almaty, Kazakhstan. With extensive experience in organizing courses and workshops, Alyona is a skilled trainer in fact-checking, media, and digital literacy. She has trained teachers, students, schoolchildren, journalists, and activists in various regions of Kazakhstan and worldwide As a co-author and manager of numerous projects, Alyona has contributed to the development of curricula, textbooks, manuals, and online games, such as Qlever.Asia, which all aim to improve media and information literacy. Additionally, she is the co-founder of the Eurasian Fact-checking and Media literacy Network (EFMN), which is committed to advancing media literacy throughout Eurasia. Alyona's expertise has been recognized through her participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2018, which further expanded her knowledge and skills. She is dedicated to promoting media literacy and empowering individuals to navigate the complex world of media and information.
These speakers represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, but they are united in their dedication to promoting press freedom and telling the stories that need to be heard. Join us on May 3rd for a thought-provoking discussion and a celebration of the power of journalism.
Register here and be a part of this impactful discussion!