PATAN, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said that terrorism, anarchy, and authoritarianism are serious threats to democracy and press freedom.

Inaugurating the Lomanthang International Media Summit organized by the Nepal Press Union Lalitpur on Friday, Minister Gurung emphasized the need to improve working styles to safeguard and strengthen democratic values and media freedom.

He noted that the summit, which focuses on democracy, press freedom, and the climate crisis, is especially relevant at a time when democracy is facing growing challenges.

“When democracy weakens, press freedom also deteriorates,” the Minister said, stressing the deep connection between a functioning democracy and an independent press. He urged the media to reflect on how press freedom can be used to benefit society.

Gurung also expressed concern over the rise of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through online platforms. He called for unified efforts within the media sector to combat false narratives, especially those that mislead the public on issues like religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

Highlighting the importance of rule of law and impartial journalism, he said both are essential to nurturing democracy. He also noted the significance of hosting the summit in Lomanthang, a region already suffering the adverse impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the event, Sabina Indrajeet, Vice Chairperson of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), said democracy cannot exist without press freedom. She noted that IFJ represents journalists from over 150 countries and works to defend press rights worldwide.

Acting Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Deepak Acharya, said the global climate crisis is interconnected with media rights, and therefore both should be addressed together.

Former FNJ Chairperson Harihar Birahi argued that only democratic systems can ensure civic supremacy and enable the existence of a free press, civil society, and dynamic political parties.

Laxman Basnet, General Secretary of the South Asian Regional Trade Union Council, praised the Nepal Press Union for advancing the dialogue on both press freedom and climate change.

Senior Vice Chairperson of NPU, Prem KC, General Secretary Dilip Paudel, and media experts from India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan also shared their insights on challenges facing journalism and the environment.

Following the opening session in Kathmandu, 120 journalists departed for Lomanthang via Pokhara later in the day.