New Delhi, May 4 -- Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's statement that "freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego", UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis has called for reaffirming commitments "to protecting journalists and media workers worldwide".

After posting the comment on the social media X on World Press Freedom Day, Friday, Francis issued a joint statement with Presidents Simona Mirela Miculescu of the UNESCO General Conference, Paula Narvaez of the UN Economic and Social Council, and Omar Zneiber of the Human Rights Council, focusing on journalists covering the environment.

"We advocate for the strengthening of policies that promote free, independent, and pluralistic media, thereby fostering a vibrant...