World Press Freedom — the 2026 Free Speech Centre celebration of journalism

Name: World Press Freedom — the 2026 Free Speech Centre celebration of journalism
Start: 2026-05-11T17:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-11T19:30:00-04:00
Location: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

Schedule

Mon May 11 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema | Toronto, ON

A powerful evening of dialogue, resilience, and press freedom with exiled journalists and global media voices.
About this Event

Come for an evening in which we honour the courage and fortitude of reporters around the world. Hear Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent will be in conversation with Nahlah Ayed, host of CBC Ideas. Meet exiled journalists now finding ways to continue their work from Canada. Discover the work of Toronto-based Free Speech Centre, which supports journalists reporting under conditions of extraordinary pressure, and connect with media professionals, scholars, and students in reflecting upon the global state of press freedom today. And to cap off this celebration of journalism, please join us in applauding the recipients of the first FSC Certificates of Appreciation for exiled journalists making an impact from their new countries of residence.

Event highlights

Master of Ceremonies: Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director, Canadian Journalism Foundation

Opening remarks by Najib Asil, Founder and executive director, Free Speech Centre (FSC)

In Conversation with Lyse Doucet, author of The Finest Hotel in Kabul: a people’s history of Afghanistan, and senior presenter and chief international correspondent for the BBC.

“Sharing Stories from Exile” group discussion, hosted by Jennifer Hollett, executive director of The Walrus, featuring Harun Najafizada, executive editor and director of news at Afghanistan International( Volant media UK), investigative journalist Arzu Yıldız, Ecuadorian investigative journalist, Andersson Boscán – alongside the veteran Palestinian journalist and media expert Walid Batrawi.

Presentation of the 2026 Free Speech Centre Certificates of Appreciation to three exiled journalists who have launched important initiatives this year

Your chance to engage in dialogue and solidarity with other amazing people! Be part of this important conversation and celebrate World Press Freedom Day among new friends.