Ethiopia observed World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a vibrant multi-sector dialogue on May 16 at Elilly International Hotel, spotlighting the theme “Ethiopian Media in the Age of AI: Promoting Media Freedom, Ethics, and Safety.” The event brought together media professionals, regulatory authorities, human rights advocates, development partners, and journalism educators to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the country’s media landscape.
The celebration opened with a powerful performance by the Mankira Dance Group, symbolizing freedom and resilience. Ferew Abebe, Chairman of the Editors’ Guild of Ethiopia (EGE), set the tone with opening remarks, followed by keynote speeches from U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga, Swedish Ambassador Hans Henric Lundquist, Ethiopian Media Authority Deputy Director General Yonatan Tesfaye, and Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Deputy Chief Commissioner Rakeb Messele. All speakers emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to safeguard press freedom in Ethiopia.
Two dynamic panel discussions addressed critical issues such as democratic resilience, journalist safety, ethical AI use in journalism, and gender representation in digital media. Expert panelists offered practical recommendations to foster a safer, more inclusive, and technologically adaptive media environment.
Organized by the EGE in partnership with Mersa Media Institute and the Consortium for the Safety of Journalists in Ethiopia, the event provided a platform for dialogue, learning, and networking. Closing reflections highlighted the urgent need for sustained collective action to empower journalists, uphold ethical standards, and ensure media safety in Ethiopia’s rapidly changing digital era.
