“Free media are also a form of defense. They protect societies from authoritarian influence and propaganda”

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the discussion “On the Brink? Is Media Freedom at Risk? A Global Perspective on Press Freedom” at the Concordia Annual Summit 2025 during her visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. This was the 15th anniversary Summit, which traditionally brings together global leaders, business representatives, and NGOs.

The conversation focused on the challenges facing independent media in times of pressure on social networks, artificial intelligence, and a lack of funding. It emphasized the vulnerable position of small regional and independent outlets.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya highlighted several key points.

• Global challenges and the importance of press freedom

“We are truly at a turning point. Either democracies recognize that press freedom is part of security, or we risk losing it. When governments redirect budgets solely to defense, we must remember that free media are also a form of defense. They protect societies from authoritarian influence and propaganda. The survival of free media is the survival of democracy”.

• Belarusian media in the struggle for freedom

“Independent Belarusian journalists live in exile, they are persecuted and banned – yet they continue to fight with words, not weapons. They investigate corruption, expose war crimes, and amplify the voices of independent experts. But many of these outlets are literally on their last breath. The international community must ensure not only one-time grants, but also stable, long-term support”.