UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany announced the awarding of the 2026 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, in recognition of the extraordinary courage shown by Sudanese journalists amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Speaking during the award ceremony, El-Enany praised the resilience and professionalism of Sudanese journalists, noting that members of the syndicate continued reporting, documenting attacks against journalists, and supporting their colleagues despite facing severe personal risks.
He emphasized that freedom of expression is not merely an abstract principle, but a vital lifeline that provides people with access to information, safety, and human connection during times of crisis.
“Let us honour their resilience, their integrity, and their unwavering commitment to truth,” El-Enany said, highlighting the important role independent journalism plays in conflict zones.
The recognition comes as Sudan enters another year of devastating war, with journalists operating under extremely dangerous conditions while continuing to report on humanitarian suffering, displacement, and violations affecting civilians across the country.
