Today, on World Press Freedom Day, I reaffirm France's constant and resolute commitment in support of press freedom and the freedom of expression everywhere. Media pluralism, the right to inform and be informed, and the ability to express critical views are key to the democratic debate.

The defense of these principles and the protection of journalists while carrying out their work is a priority of our foreign policy. In light of the growing threats facing journalists and the media, notably in crisis situations, our diplomatic network is mobilized in the multilateral forums as well as on the ground.

France welcomes the decision to award the UNSECO World Press Freedom Prize to Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova.

On May 4, I will visit the Maison des Journalistes de Paris, an association that welcomes threatened journalists from all over the world. I will pay tribute—notably in the presence of Reporters without Borders—to their courage and commitment in ensuring free access to information.

Development – «Sustainable financing for education» seminar (May 4, 2016)

On the occasion of Global Education Week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, the International Organization of La Francophonie, and the Education Coalition will hold a seminar on sustainable financing for education on May 4 at the Ministerial Conference Center. This event will be opened with a message by André Vallini, Minister of State for Development and Francophonie.

The seminar will bring together high-level personalities including Kishore Singh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education and Jeffrey Sachs, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General, international experts and researchers and civil society representatives. The aim of this work is to make recommendations and propose concrete courses of action in order to more effectively mobilize and allocate resources in support of education. The conclusions of the seminar will be passed on to the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunities, which operates under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General.

Support for education in developing countries, which is one of the 17 sustainable development goals adopted in September 2015, is one of the ministry's priorities. The French Development Agency, which is one of the ministry's operators, mobilized almost €500 million for education between 2013 and 2015.