World News Day marks push for information integrity in digital era

The dual observance highlights growing concerns about the spread of false and misleading information across digital platforms, particularly in developing nations where media literacy and fact-checking resources remain limited.

This year's theme, "Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to information in addressing information disorder," underscores the critical relationship between public access to reliable information and the ability to identify and resist falsehoods.

The commemoration brings together journalists, media organisations, policymakers and civil society groups to emphasise the importance of independent news media in maintaining democratic discourse and public trust. Both observances recognise that accurate, timely information remains essential infrastructure for informed citizenship and good governance.

Organisations across the region are using the occasion to advocate for stronger protections for press freedom, greater transparency in government and corporate decision-making, and improved access to official information—particularly in countries where information restrictions remain common.