Press Freedom for Development

---

Freedom of expression and access to information play a crucial role in good governance, transparency, and accountability–and these in turn are pillars of sustainable development. As the United Nations sought agreement on a broad set of sustainable development goals (SDGs), there was a growing chorus of experts and organizations calling for the inclusion of good governance and fundamental freedoms, such as the rights to expression and association.

The goals replaced the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, which were adopted in 2000 and expired in 2015 and made no mention of political or civil rights. The sustainable development goals will provide a framework for development aid and thus influence donor priorities for years to come. CPJ and other freedom of expression organizations believe that including an indicator on governance, with a specific goal on press freedom, is essential to ensure impact and accountability.

Related content:
Sustainable Development Goals Backgrounder
Letter to the Open Working Group Chairs
Putting Press Freedom at the Heart of Anti-Poverty Efforts
Open government is unsustainable without a free press

---