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The Netherlands, as co-host on behalf of the wider European region, is organizing a partly digital event on media freedom on the second day of the summit. Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs will open the event. Also participating in the event are the foreign ministers of Slovenia and Kosovo, as well as Ruth Kronenburg van FreePressUnlimited and Derk Sauer of the Moscow Times part.
Freedom of expression is an important condition for a well-functioning democracy. Media play an essential role in this. However, 85 percent of the world’s population is experiencing a decline in press freedom in their country. Media freedom also exists in Europe under pressure.
The Netherlands is committed worldwide to the protection and promotion of fundamental principles such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. During the event for the European region on 30 March, the Netherlands will talk to government representatives, civil society organisations, young people, human rights defenders, academics and journalists about media freedom and how to promote it. Amanda Bennett, CEO of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), will be heading the official US delegation in the Netherlands. USAID Administrator Samantha Power will participate by video link. Amanda Bennett, CEO of US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), will lead the US delegation in the Netherlands. USAID Administrator Samantha Power will participate digitally.
The plenary session of the Summit for Democracy on March 29 is here to follow. The event organized by the Netherlands on March 30 on media freedom is here to follow.