World Press Freedom Day 2026: Global Conference side event on UN Radios

Theme
Information integrity in conflict: the role of radio

About the event

In conflict zones, disinformation displaces communities, fuels violence, and undermines peace processes. This is where radio steps in.

Radio Okapi in the DRC, Radio Miraya in South Sudan, and Guira FM in the Central African Republic, and so many more national and community radio stations reach populations in their language, where internet connectivity is scarce.

UN radios build partnerships with community radios, train journalists, and support independent media that outlasts the missions themselves. But these gains are fragile. Digital transformation is reshaping the landscape, platforms spread harmful content at unprecedented speed, exposing journalists and communities to growing risks.

In the age of artificial intelligence, can radio survive and thrive? What does it take to build media ecosystems that endure?

UN radio practitioners, local media builders, and digital rights advocates bring their answers. A concrete opportunity to hear from those operating on the ground and to enrich your own practice.

· How radio builds trust and counters disinformation in fragile environments

· What UN radio stations pass on to local journalism and reporter safety

· The challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in conflict zones

· The keys to sustaining independent media beyond peacekeeping transitions

Speakers

• Ms. Joyce Fernandes de Pina, Chief of Radio Okapi, MONUSCO, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Ms. Patricia Okoed, Officer-in-Charge and Head of Programming, Radio Miraya, UNMISS, South Sudan
• Ms. Sylvie Coudray, Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development and Chair of UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)
• Sacha Meuter, Head of Research and Policy at Fondation Hirondelle
• Media Manager, Project to Support Afghan Media Resilience to Foster Peace and Security, TBD

Moderator

• Ms. Naomi Miyashita, Team Leader, Information Integrity Unit, Department of Peace Operations

This event is open to all participants of the World Press Freedom Day Conference and RightsCon 2026.

RSVP: dpo-info-integrity@un.org For more information, visit: DPO Information Integrity Page Contacts: Naomi Miyashita miyashita@un.org, Awa Cheikh Faye awa.faye@un.org