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Germany Increases Support for UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund with Additional Donation
The donation was officially confirmed on 29 November 2024, with the signing ceremony attended by H.E. Ambassador Kerstin Pürschel. This enhanced support underscores Germany's dedication to safeguarding journalists and upholding freedom of expression worldwide.
I had the pleasure to sign a new funding agreement for the UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund. Germany places high value on freedom of expression, a diverse and independent media landscape, and the protection of journalists. With the additional donation, Germany’s commitment remains steadfast to upholding media freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.
UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mr. Tawfik Jelassi, expressed profound gratitude for Germany's continued support.
Germany's enhanced commitment is a testament to its steadfast dedication to defending journalists globally. This additional funding will significantly bolster our efforts to protect media professionals and promote a free and independent press and allow the Fund to continue moving forward strategically, including through the support of journalists reporting on the environment.
Since its inception, the Global Media Defence Fund has been instrumental in supporting over 150 projects aimed at enhancing legal protections for journalists and advancing media freedom through investigative journalism and strategic litigation. To date, the Fund has supported more than 8,000 journalists, 1,400 lawyers, and 300 media organisations, fostering a safer and more resilient media landscape.
In addition to Germany's generous contributions, the Fund has received substantial support from other donors, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Siemens AG. This collective effort highlights the global community's shared commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists.
As the GMDF continues to grow, UNESCO remains dedicated to fostering an environment where legal frameworks support a plural, free, and independent media ecosystem. The synergy between the Fund and other UNESCO initiatives, such as the Judges initiative, the Multi-Donor Programme (MDP), and the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), ensures a comprehensive approach to media freedom and journalist safety.
For those interested in contributing to the Global Media Defence Fund or learning more about this initiative, please contact gmdf@unesco.org
