Skopje, 30 April 2025 (MIA) - A blood donation drive on the occasion of May 3 – World Press Freedom Day is taking place Wednesday in Skopje, Bitola, Strumica, Prilep and Shtip. The blood drive is organized by the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM), in cooperation with the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and with the support of the Red Cross of the City of Skopje. 

At the Skopje blood drive, SSNM head Pavle Belovski said May 3 - World Press Freedom Day, together with May 1 and November 2, are in a symbolic sense "the three most important days for us, days uniting all our commitments, everything we fight for - safe, free and socio-economically secure journalists, a prerequisite for free and professional journalism, as one of the main pillars of democracy".

"This is the third year we mark World Press Freedom Day with a blood donation drive, joining the global observance of the day led by UNESCO, as well as the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). However, due to calendar circumstances, this time we are marking it a few days ahead of May 3, and a day before May 1. Tomorrow, as today, we will send similar messages again, such as the one that the fight for labour rights and professional rights is the same, one does not exist without the other. Only socially conscious journalists and media workers in solidarity can be guardians of the public interest and professionally inform the public, which is the basis for the development of a democratic society," said Belovski. 

He noted that UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day 2025 under the theme "Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media".

"Artificial intelligence and the rapid development of technology are major challenges that journalism must withstand and keep up with. We remain convinced that in this new world, only professional and ethical journalism can and is the best defence against disinformation and fake news," Belovski said. 

He added that today, though freedom of expression seemingly exists in the country, it is under serious subtle threats arising from pressure from power centres, the poor financial situation of the media, the emergence of news deserts in a large part of the country's territory, threats to journalists and media workers, especially online.

"Without free media, and free journalists who are the link between the public, citizens and those who make decisions about everyday life, there can be no talk of a free, democratic, developing and progressing society," Belovski pointed out.

He added that today's blood drive is to show that journalists and media workers are an ordinary part of society, standing in solidarity and feeling the voice of the disempowered, of the citizens.

"I also want to dedicate this year's blood drive to solidarity, union and empathy, thus honouring the victims of the tragedy that happened last month in Kochani. At such times, solidarity is particularly important, both among journalists and media workers, and in society as a whole," Belovski pointed out. 

AJM president Mladen Chadikovski said they had gathered today not only to donate blood, but to give a symbolic voice for the values ​​that are fought for every day: for free, responsible and safe journalism, for solidarity and for commitment to society.

"May 3 serves as a reminder of the risks journalists worldwide face in their search for the truth. Journalists often work in dangerous situations, facing censorship, harassment, intimidation and even violence. Press freedom is closely linked to the right to access information. This day calls for freedom of information as a fundamental human right, crucial for informed decision-making, public discourse and the functioning of democratic societies," Chadikovski pointed out. 

He noted that journalism is a profession that has a special mission, to protect the public interest and to be the conscience and voice of the community. Wednesday's blood drive sends a strong message that we are here for each other.

"Let us not forget: media freedom is not given once and for all. It is conquered and protected daily by professionalism, responsibility and solidarity," Chadikovski stressed. 

Aleksandra Valkanovska from the Red Cross of the City of Skopje said donating blood is a humane act, expressing hope that the blood donation drive will become a tradition.

Photo: MIA