The Third Global Conference for Media Freedom took place in Tallinn on 9-10 February 2022 and was hosted by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Estonian Institute of Human Rights. The conference provided a welcome forum and platform for discussions on how to strengthen global efforts in defending media freedom and human rights worldwide. The participants focused on topics such as disinformation and freedom of speech, protection of journalists and interplay between media freedom and internet freedom.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Bjørn Berge stressed the importance of upholding free expression enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is a major priority for the Council of Europe. The Deputy Secretary General went on to highlight some of the recent work of the Organisation on the challenges ranging from hate speech, the impact of digital technologies on freedom of expression and the role of online platforms in the media and communication environment.

Patrick Penninckx, Head of the Information Society department, delivered an opening statement at the IGO ‘Light Touch’ Taskforce on the Safety of Journalists hybrid workshop, held in the framework of the Tallin Conference on 9 February, focusing his intervention on Council of Europe’s standard-setting instruments and mechanisms promoting the safety of journalists and on the implementation of national mechanisms for the protection of journalists.

Furthermore, in a side event on renewing the principles for effective media support hosted by the International Media Policy and Advisory Centre (GFMD IMPACT), Urška Umek, Head of Media Unit, spoke about the Council of Europe's activities and perspectives on the importance of ensuring financially sustainable media and journalism.