A society that loses its grip on facts loses its grip on itself

In my career, I have seen countless societies falter when they lose their reliance on accurate information. During my time in Yugoslavia in the 1980s, the shared facts that had sustained our nation for decades began to unravel. People could no longer agree on the country's values or the events unfolding around them. The consequences were devastating, leaving families shattered and communities in ruins.

Decades later, in South Africa, I joined forces with dedicated journalists who painstakingly sifted through the aftermath of state capture, uncovering the truth one document at a time. This relentless pursuit ultimately helped restore hope to the nation. These experiences taught me a crucial lesson: a society that forsakes facts also forsakes itself.

However, a society that upholds the truth can still find its way back. World News Day, celebrated annually on September 28, is a testament to this belief. On this day, over a thousand newsrooms from more than a hundred countries unite to reaffirm their commitment to reliable information as the foundation of our modern, information-driven society.

In today's world, where disinformation and propaganda threaten to undermine the very fabric of our societies, the role of journalism is more vital than ever. As reporters, we dedicate ourselves to uncovering the facts, following leads, and verifying every claim. We are committed to shining a light on the truth, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Our mission is to provide a reliable source of information that is essential to our existence, just like water or electricity. We understand that our work is not always easy, and we face numerous challenges, including lawsuits and financial difficulties. Yet, we persist because it is our duty and our calling. On this World News Day, we are not just telling you that our journalism matters; we are showing you the work that goes into it.

We will share the months of investigation, the painstaking verification of breaking stories, and the corrections that ensure our records are accurate. We will demonstrate how our reporting can change the lives of communities, even locally. Together, in dozens of languages and more than a hundred countries, we form a force that cannot be ignored.

This rally is not a fundraising event, but a rallying point for journalists around the world. It is a reminder of our fundamental right to know the truth, a right that must be defended at all costs. In a world where misinformation threatens to erode our democracy and erode our trust in institutions, it is more important than ever to support journalism that prioritizes accuracy and transparency.

We urge you to seek out reputable sources, question everything, and hold those in power accountable. Because a world that stops knowing will never be free. It will simply be easier to manipulate. Let us stand together on this World News Day to reaffirm our commitment to the truth and to the essential role of journalism in upholding our right to know.