At the Athens Democracy Forum, renowned journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa urged participants to prioritize the pursuit of truth as a vital step in reviving democratic institutions. Ressa’s remarks underscored the growing threat that disinformation poses to democratic processes, calling for renewed commitment to factual accuracy. Her insights came as the forum convened to address pressing issues surrounding information integrity and the preservation of democratic values in an era of widespread misinformation.
Ressa, who is also the founder of Philippine news website Rappler, spoke about the challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in combating disinformation and safeguarding democratic discourse. She emphasized that the spread of falsehoods not only undermines public trust but also erodes democratic norms and processes. Her speech highlighted the need for a collective effort to protect the truth in the digital age, a challenge she believes is more urgent than ever.
During the forum, which brought together politicians, journalists, and civil society representatives, Ressa called for stronger regulatory frameworks and greater support for independent journalism. She also stressed the importance of media literacy among the general public as a critical tool in the fight against misinformation. Her address resonated with many attendees, who acknowledged the existential threat that disinformation poses to democratic governance.
Other panel discussions at the forum focused on the role of technology companies in curbing the spread of false information and the responsibilities of platforms in upholding democratic standards. The conversations reflected a growing global concern over the intersection of information integrity and democratic resilience, as participants from various regions shared insights and strategies for addressing the challenges of the digital age.