Under the theme: “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” students from the University of Papua New Guinea in the course of Journalism & Public Relations, were fortunate to learn from and be challenged by important figures in various disciplines as they recently marked World Media Freedom Day. Present at the event was the Executive Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Professor Leo Marai; Acting Chief Executive Officer, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), Mr. Douglas Keari; Director of Centre for Climate Change & Sustainable Development, UPNG, Professor Chalapan Kaluwin; Director, Melanesian Institute of Arts & Communications (MIAC), Dr. Michael Mel; and Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Timothy Masiu. Professor Kaluwin spoke on the importance of journalists knowing their environment before reporting. “Journalism and journalists can help to promote PNG and tourism; you can do that; however, you lack the data.” “Before you promote your country, you must know your country – get your facts right before you report.” He further gave a common example to further illustrate the importance of journalism in bringing information to the globe. “Foreigners still think we practice cannibalism because the facts of our country have not reached their shores.” “Journalists can inform the world that we are not the cannibals they assume we are.” Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Timothy Masiu further supported Professor Kaluwin’s stance on knowing facts. “Journalists have a responsibility to tell the truth; the power of the press to inform, educate and mobilize the masses towards a sustainable future cannot be overstated.” Additionally, he spoke on the effects of climate change acknowledging that Papua New Guinea is also facing the dangers of global warming which has affected especially the coastal areas causing islands to disappear undersea. He further challenged the students to not become passive in their work. “I do not want to see students graduating only to become desk journalists; we need stories from pressing issues and situations in and around the country.”