On a cloudy Tuesday, midtown Manhattan was buzzing. It had nothing to do with the previous night’s Met Gala, but everything to do with preserving creativity and freedom. At this intersection lie journalists and the work they do and the United Nations celebrates this annually on World Press Freedom Day.
Today marked the 30th anniversary and MICHELIN Three Star chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and Eleven Madison Home had a firsthand view of the day’s events. Why did he attend? “Freedom of expression is a driver for human rights and essential to a sustainable future. I am deeply honored to join UNESCO to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom,” says Humm.
Inside, BBC News anchor Michelle Fleury welcomed guests including the New York Times chairman A.G. Sulzberger and poet J. Ivy amongst the crowd of diplomats, delegates, and dignitaries. After opening remarks from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, the day of learning could commence with a wide-ranging breadth of topics from how we change institutional behaviors to reinforcing the need for multilateralism.
But, the message of strength, unity, and community resonated through the halls and beyond. “Today serves as a reminder of the critical importance in defending the media and their independence that allows us the right to access impartial information, have open dialogues, and innovate across culture and beliefs," adds Humm. "I am looking forward to the work ahead, because what matters today is the implementation of what will make it matter tomorrow.”
Hero image: Daniel Humm / @danielhumm
Photos courtesy of Daniel Humm / @danielhumm
