United Kingdom to Co-Chair Media Freedom Coalition from March 2026

UK Returns to Leadership Role in Media Freedom Coalition

The United Kingdom has been announced as the new co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), a global partnership committed to promoting press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. The UK will officially commence its two-year term on March 1, 2026, serving alongside Finland. The formal acceptance of the co-chairship was made by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper from her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026. Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, was also present for the handover.

A Global Partnership for Press Freedom

The Media Freedom Coalition, established in July 2019 at the Global Conference for Media Freedom, was co-founded by the United Kingdom and Canada. The UK previously served as an inaugural co-chair until late 2021. Comprising 51 member states from six continents, the MFC operates on the principle that all members have signed the Global Pledge on Media Freedom, committing them to championing media freedom both domestically and internationally. The coalition's core mission involves:

• Advocating for media freedom and the safety of journalists.
• Holding accountable those who harm journalists.
• Encouraging and supporting legal reforms.
• Undertaking diplomatic interventions and international events.

UK's Objectives During Co-Chairmanship

During its upcoming co-chair term, the United Kingdom will collaborate closely with Finland to advance the MFC's objectives. The UK's stated priorities include guiding the coalition to strengthen approaches to media freedom by:

• Supporting a viable public interest media.
• Navigating the opportunities and risks presented by new technologies.
• Addressing the specific challenges faced by women journalists.

The UK also aims to elevate the coalition's profile, expand its reach, and foster greater sharing of expertise among members. The current co-chairs, Finland and Germany, will conclude their terms, with Finland having become co-chair in July 2025 and Germany in January 2024.

Continued Commitment to Media Independence

The UK's return to a co-chairing role underscores its ongoing commitment to safeguarding media freedom, a fundamental element of democratic societies. The coalition's work is crucial in an environment where journalists globally continue to face threats, detention, and legal intimidation. By leveraging its collective expertise, the MFC strives to ensure that independent and courageous journalism can thrive, providing essential information and holding power to account.