In his welcome speech, Germanas highlighted the importance of public access to information not only to ensure the accountability of public authorities, but also the application of the principles of good governance, the rule of law and democracy. According to the Vice-Minister, these elements are the pillars of sustainable future of mankind.
Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister condemned the threats faced by journalists and threats to press freedom, and emphasized Lithuania’s commitment in the field of the protection and safety of journalists. Germanas particularly emphasized the country’s contribution to this field during Lithuania’s term of non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council in 2014-2015.
World-renowned experts from India, Sweden, Nigeria, Morocco and other countries took part in the event. They shared their experiences and ideas for how public access to information could contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals. The experts highlighted the role of free and independent media and of journalists in the implementation of the Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030.
During the event, the Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova asked participants to observe a minute’s silence in the memory of Professor Leonidas Donskis. He had to be one of the keynote speakers at the event.
On the margins of the event, Germanas met with the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at UNESCO Frank La Rue and the Chairperson of the Executive Board of UNESCO Michael Worbs. Lithuania was elected as member of UNESCO’s Executive Board for the period 2015–2019. Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister discussed Lithuania’s priorities in the key fields of UNESCO’s competence, dedicating a lot of attention to the organization’s ability to ensure greater protection for journalists.
