MEDIA stakeholders in the country are set to convene in Arusha tomorrow for World Press Freedom Day to discuss various topics, including how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to detect misinformation and disinformation.

Rodney Mbuya, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, announced this in Dar es Salaam yesterday during a briefing to reporters about this year's World Press Freedom Day.

He stated that this year's theme, ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and Media’ is scheduled to take place from April 27 to 30 in Arusha.

Mbuya   added that Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to be the guest of honour at this year's celebration culminating on April 29, emphasizing that the meeting's theme aims to educate society about the benefits of technology.

Furthermore, he explained that the theme challenges journalists, media owners, and the government to ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, media freedom and the public's right to access accurate information.

He highlighted that the objective of the day is to safeguard and enhance the independence of the media and to ensure that journalists can perform their duties freely and safely.

Moreover, he noted that the event will provide an opportunity to discuss gender equality and the policy challenges associated with the operation of media organisations.

 He mentioned that various topics would be addressed during the meeting, and there would also be displays of knowledge, graphics, innovation, research, digital transformation, and artistic freedom through the application of AI.

Susan Namondo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, underscored the importance of World Press Freedom Day in fostering trust and responsibility.

“Press freedom needs to be inclusive, ensuring all voices are heard,” she stated. She affirmed the UN's commitment to supporting efforts by stakeholders, including the government, to protect freedom of speech and prevent spread of misinformation or disinformation.

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom globally to defend the media against threats to their independence, and honour journalists who have lost their lives in the course of their work.  

 This day is also observed to raise awareness about the significance of press freedom and to remind governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, marking the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration.