Welcome Letter and Council Introduction

Dear delegates, being a journalist in today's world is a unique privilege. As conflicts redefine geographical boundaries, we witness the rise of oppressive regimes and the diminishing of global freedoms. The recent shift towards right-wing populism in Europe raises significant concerns, as hard-right parties gain influence at the expense of democracy and environmentalism. This decline in democratic values correlates with the state of the press. According to Reporters Without Borders' 2024 World Press Freedom Index, global press freedom is experiencing a worrying downturn, compounded by the international community's lack of political will to protect journalists.