‘Difference Day 2024’

This year, we're marking a significant milestone – the 10th anniversary of Difference Day. Since its inception in 2015, we've invited everyone who cherishes democracy to stand together in worldwide solidarity with journalists, media professionals, and organizations dedicated to the truth. Held every year on May 3, which is also International Press Freedom Day, Difference Day pays tribute to the bravery and resolve of those in the media who endeavor to illuminate the truth, frequently putting their own lives at risk.

Join us in this significant celebration, and let's make this year's Difference Day once again an unforgettable homage to the enduring spirit of press freedom and diversity of opinion. 

PROGRAMME 2024

12.15 - 13.00

SPEAKERS CORNER

Students from VUB, EhB, and ULB are taking a stand and voicing their views on a matter deeply important to them before the broader community.

13.30 

Welcome and introduction by Ike Picone 

13.45-14.15 

Act 1: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS 

In this session, we stress the importance of journalism and activism to raise awareness on the current climate crisis. The focus is on fighting threats of violence to environmental journalists and promoting diverse voices in the effort of addressing dis-/misinformation on the climate crisis. 

Panel

- Arthur Neslen, award-winning journalist with deep background in environmental news, environment correspondent at the Guardian. 

- Sevim Aktas, Policy Officer, DG Climate Action who also talks about climate issues on her Instagram account.

- Miroslava Nikoloić, Polekol, Serbian activists for access to green water.

Moderator 

- Louise Haxthausen, Director of UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels.  

14.45-15.30 

Act 2: IMPUNITY TOWARDS CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Conflict goes hand in hand with efforts to silence journalists who seek to uncover uncomfortable truths. In the conflicts currently emerging around the world, this is no different. But what is striking is the limited indignation, and the ensuing impunity towards the crime committed against journalists. Not that long ago, crimes against press freedom used to be much more denounced at the international stage.

Panel

- Christelle El Hayek, head of the Journalism Safety Programs at SkEYES, a Beirut based foundation aiming to monitor violations of freedom of the press and culture and defend the rights and freedom of expression of journalists and intellectuals.

- Kateryna Sergatskova from 2402 Fund, a Ukraine based foundation implementing the best practices in security and self-defense as basic knowledge for people in Ukraine and worldwide.

- Koen Vidal from De Standaard, Belgium based newspaper. 

Moderators 

- Johana Kotisova & Yazan Badran, researchers VUB Centre for the study of Democracy, Signification and Resistance

16.00-16.45 

Act 3: AI AND PRESS FREEDOM

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications have become the tools through which many people get their news and information. They have the capacity to aggregate and amplify certain narratives over others. AI can also increase the distance between journalists and their audiences. What happens to press freedom when journalists are intermediated by AI? How is AI affecting dis/misinformation? Can AI be made to serve press freedom? If so, how? 

Panel

- Juliane Von Reppert-Bismarck, Executive Director, Lie Detectors

- Justyna Kurczabinska, Head of News Strategy, European Broadcasting Union

- Andrey Boborykin, Executive Director, Ukrainska Pravda

17.00-18.00 

Act 4: AN INSIDE VIEW

- Alicja Gecinska (PACT) invites the Difference Day Honorary Title 24 laureates to a fireside chat. 

18.00-19.00 

Reception