Join the discussion on how politics, technology, and digitalization are reshaping media, journalism, and access to information. We hereby invite you to a symposium marking UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026, where you will meet journalists and experts addressing the critical challenges facing press freedom in a South Asian context.
In recent years, press freedom in South Asia has experienced a steep decline, marked by intensified government suppression, violations of media rights, and a worrying rise in the killing of journalists.
During this half‑day symposium, we will explore these issues together with experts and practitioners working in the region. The event will be held in English.
Date: Tuesday, May 5
Time: 8:30 am - 12 pm
Location: Media Evolution, Stora Varvsgatan 6A, Malmö
Programme
- 08.30 – Breakfast served in the lobby
- 09.00 – Introduction
- 09.15 – World Press Freedom Index 2026
- 09.45 – Break
- 10.00 – Presentations
- 10.50 – Coffee break
- 11.00 – Panel discussion
- 12.00 – End
The panelist will consist of:
Naila Saleem (South Asia correspondent at Sveriges Radio), Erik Larsson (spokesperson and chair of Reporters Without Borders, Reportrar utan gränser), Pranto Palash (South Asian journalist) and Lubna Hawwa (Maldivian freelance writer).
Meet the Participants
Johan Mikaelsson is a freelance journalist and editor of the magazine Sydasien (Sydasien.se). Since its founding in 1977, the publication has focused on the eight countries of the region. He studied at the School of Journalism in Gothenburg and holds a Master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies. He has worked in the media industry since 1996, most of those years as a journalist. In particular, he has focused on Sri Lanka and has written the book När de dödar journalister – En personlig skildring av Sri Lanka. Read more about Johan Mikaelsson here.
Naila Saleem is the South Asia correspondent at Sveriges Radio. She has reported extensively in the region for many years. Read more about Naila Saleem here.
Erik Larsson is the spokesperson and chair of the Swedish section of Reporters Without Borders (Reportrar utan gränser, RSF), a role he has held since May 2023. He is an experienced journalist, formerly editor-in-chief of OmVärlden, and frequently speaks in the media about press freedom, threats against journalists, and international issues related to freedom of expression.
Pranto Palash is a journalist, poet, and human rights activist from Bangladesh. Since January 2025, he has been based in Gothenburg, where he is a “writer in exile” through the organization ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network).
As a journalist, Palash has worked for Daily Jaijaidin, Banglamail24.com, NTV Online, and Gonoraai as both a reporter and editor. He has written about religious fundamentalism, social discrimination, internal armed conflicts, and the rights of minorities and women. Because of his work as a journalist and writer, as well as his activism and openness about being an atheist, he has been threatened and harassed by members of both political parties and Islamist groups.
Pranto Palash debuted as a poet in 2012 and has since had five poetry collections published. Read more about Pranto Palash here.
Lubna Hawwa is a Maldivian freelance writer and former journalist living in Sweden. She is a board member of Sydasien and writes on Maldivian politics and society. She currently works as a climate change and human rights expert in Sweden’s international NGO sector. Her previous media experience includes reporting on social issues for the Maldives Independent, the island’s first independent English-language online news outlet, as well as working as a fixer for international journalists covering the islands.
Hosts:
The symposium is arranged together with School of Journalism at Lund University, Magazine Sydasien and Media Evolution.
Register
You are all most welcome to attend!