You can never have too much freedom of the press. Governments must uphold press freedom and ensure its democratic nature. Ukrainian journalists continue to tell the world the truth about Russia’s war of aggression and to document genocidal crimes.
It’s always worth repeating: a free, pluralistic, and independent press is a cornerstone of any democratic society. On World Press Freedom Day, established by UNESCO, we have a powerful opportunity to reflect on how we cultivate a culture of critical thinking at MIL House:
Over 7,500 guests, 25 events, critical thinking evenings, six artistic performances, happenings, exhibitions, antitheses, ambassador networks, and hundreds of conversations—big and small. Not a single indifferent heart.
This is what the strength of a community looks like when it chooses to think—not just consume. At MIL House, we create a space where every doubt is not a weakness, but the beginning of a new thought. Where critical thinking isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a way of living.
We’ve had deep dialogues, respectful disagreements, artistic reflections, and unexpected discoveries. We’ve seen the world through the eyes of journalists, philosophers, historians, artists, actors, and singers. But the main protagonists have always been you—those who aren’t afraid to ask, to doubt, to hear another point of view.
In a world where social media serves us comfortable echo chambers, critical thinking is our way of breaking through. It’s not just fact-checking—it’s the freedom to think independently and stay sensitive to meaning.
Thank you for being with us. For bringing your friends. For asking bold questions, warming the room with your presence, and helping create an atmosphere where ideas are born through dialogue and debate.
Thank you to our colleagues for yesterday’s professional event—and to our trusted partners for their powerful collaboration.
The project is designed and implemented by the Souspilnist Foundations in cooperation with UNESCO Ukraine and with the support of 在ウクライナ日本国大使館 / Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. The project is part of UNESCO’s broader efforts to support the safety of journalists and freedom of speech in Ukraine.
