RSF - Reporters sans frontières

04/02/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2026 15:30

Ahead of COP31, UN’s Melissa Fleming calls from RSF headquarters to implement the Declaration on Information Integrity

At a meeting held at the headquarters of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Paris, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming, emphasised the critical importance of information integrity in the fight against climate change, following the adoption at COP30 of the Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change, spearheaded by RSF and the Forum on Information and Democracy (FID) with several states.

"The Declaration for Information Integrity on Climate Change adopted at COP30 marks a turning point for global climate action. We now recognize that the fight against climate change is inseparable from the fight for factual, science-based information, and for the safety of environmental journalists. In an era where disinformation and related tactics can delay action and erode public trust, this declaration sends a clear message: facts matter, science matters, trusted journalism matters, and the integrity of our information ecosystems is essential for a livable future on our planet. The United Nations stands ready to work with UN Member States, media, and civil society organisations, such as Reporters without borders (RSF) and the Forum on Information and Democracy, in delivering on the commitments made at COP 30 and ensuring continued commitment at the next COP 31.

Melissa Fleming,
United Nations Under-Secretary-General

"As COP31 approaches, RSF will continue its commitment alongside the United Nations, the Forum on Information and Democracy and all relevant stakeholders to make information integrity a lasting pillar of global climate action. It is unacceptable that in 2026, journalists documenting an issue of such vital public interest as climate change are not protected and that access to reliable information is not universally recognised as an essential condition for addressing this 21st-century challenge.

Thibaut Bruttin,
Director general RSF

In many countries, environmental journalists are under increasing pressure. COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Although so far, 22 states have signed the Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change proposed at COP, as the crucial event approaches, RSF and the FID are calling on states to endorse the text and turn the declaration into a set of tangible measures that:

  • protect journalists covering environmental issues;
  • combat climate disinformation;
  • ensure free and transparent access to scientific data;
  • support independent, high-quality journalism.
Published on02.04.2026
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