The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is marking its 62nd anniversary today, September 30, 2026, with official celebrations in Monrovia. The theme of this year's commemoration is "62 Years On: Empowering Independent Media for Democracy, Accountability, and Sustainable Development." The festivities began with a grand parade from the Capitol Hill Campus of the University of Liberia to the Clar Marie Weah Events Hall at the Center for National Documents and Records Agency.
The parade was followed by a keynote motivational address by Ms. Georgia Wallen, Country Manager of the World Bank Group in Liberia. Her speech was followed by a high-level panel discussion featuring Cllr. Medina Wesseh, Senior Counsel at the International Law Group, and Mr. Lahoucine Rahmouni, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to Liberia. The discussions focused on critical issues affecting the media and journalism in Liberia.
During the indoor program, PUL President Julius Kanubah presented the anniversary message on the state of the Union. His address highlighted critical issues including freedom of speech and expression, press freedom, enforcement of the code of ethics and conduct for journalists and media institutions, journalists’ safety and welfare, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. The President emphasized the Union's commitment to defending journalists' rights and promoting free expression.
This year's commemoration is particularly noteworthy as the Union renews efforts to construct its National Headquarters, envisioned as a permanent home for press freedom, professional development, ethical journalism, and the protection of journalists. The Union's push for a national headquarters is part of its enduring struggle to defend journalists' rights, promote free expression, and advocate for accountable democratic governance in Liberia.
Approximately 150 participants are expected to attend the celebrations, including journalists, media practitioners, civil society representatives, journalism students, and stakeholders from government, diplomacy, and the private sector. The participants arrived at the UL Capitol Hill Campus from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and the grand parade marched from the campus to the Clar Marie Weah Events Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The indoor program ran from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Clar Marie Weah Events Hall, Center for National Documents and Records Agency, 12th Street, Sinkor. Reception celebrations followed from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the PUL Head Office on 9th Street, Sinkor. The announcement was signed by PUL President Julius Kanubah, who emphasized the significance of the anniversary and the Union's commitment to its goals.
The anniversary celebrations raise questions about Liberia's press ability to defend its freedom and police its own standards simultaneously. The Union's efforts to build a national headquarters and promote press freedom, ethics, and journalist welfare are crucial to the development of a free and independent media in Liberia. The celebrations will have a lasting impact on the media landscape in the country.
Key points
- The Press Union of Liberia is marking its 62nd anniversary with a focus on press freedom, ethics enforcement, and journalist welfare.
- The Union is renewing its push to build a national headquarters to promote press freedom and professional development.
- The celebrations include a parade, keynote address, and high-level panel discussion on critical issues affecting the media and journalism in Liberia.
