World Press Freedom Day 2025 was observed under a theme focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on press freedom and media. AUB joined the international community through its member organisations across Africa.

The theme highlighted the profound transformation of the global media environment and the urgent need to protect press freedom. Artificial intelligence can support freedom of expression, but can also be used to generate misinformation, amplify bias, spread falsehoods and reinforce hate speech.

The United Nations called for ethical frameworks ensuring that emerging technologies respect human rights and the primacy of factual information.

The day also drew attention to growing violence against journalists, political pressure, online harassment and the economic fragility of newsrooms. Financial insecurity can weaken editorial independence and make quality journalism harder to sustain.

AUB reaffirmed that journalists must be able to work freely and safely and that African media need sustainable financing, stronger professional protections, verification capacity and responsible use of artificial intelligence.