World Philosophy Day is celebrated every year to encourage people to think about life’s big questions and how philosophy helps us understand the world. It’s a day to reflect on ideas like reality, truth, justice, and happiness while promoting critical thinking and open discussion. Whether in schools, communities, or personal conversations, Philosophy Day reminds us how valuable it is to ask thoughtful questions and consider different perspectives.

This year, we organized an activity to celebrate Philosophy Day, and we watched the movie ’The Matrix’ together. It was a fun and thoughtful way to explore deep ideas about life and reality.

We gathered, and then we jumped right into watching it. The Matrix is full of moments that make you question reality and think about whether the world is as it seems. Even though it’s science fiction, it relates to real-life questions we all ask sometimes.

​After the movie, we had a group discussion. Everyone shared their thoughts, and it was interesting to hear so many different views. Some people talked about how the fill  reminded them of how we trust what we see and hear every day. Others compared the idea of living in a “fake” world to spending too much time online or in social media.

For me, this activity showed how philosophy can be fun and not just something for books or classrooms. The movie helped everyone see that philosophy isn’t just about hard questions, it’s also about thinking creatively and looking at life in new ways. I didn’t expect how much people would connect the story to their own lives, but it made our discussion even better.

World Philosophy Day is a great chance to take a break from our busy lives and think about what matters most. Exploring philosophy can happen anywhere, through movies, books, or even simple conversations. It reminds us to slow down, question our assumptions, and learn from each other’s ideas. These discussions not only spark curiosity but also help us grow and understand the world in deeper ways.

Barbara is a Hungarian Volunteer involved in World Philosophy Day

Elodie is a French volunteer involved in the World AIDS Day

Born in Lebanon in 1986, Issam Abdallah was a remarkable video journalist. At just 37 years old, he had already reported from some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, including the Syrian Civil War, the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, and the 2020 Beirut explosion. Abdallah’s work focused on documenting human suffering and the realities of war, often putting himself at great personal risk to share the untold stories of those affected. Unfortunately, his career ended abruptly when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed him on October 17, 2023, while he was filming an airstrike in southern Lebanon. Abdallah’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the perilous nature of journalism, especially for those working in conflict zones. His story exemplifies the ultimate price that many journalists pay in their pursuit of truth.

The Dangers of Journalism in Conflict Zones
The risks faced by journalists like Abdallah highlight a critical issue: the dangers and challenges journalists confront daily in their mission to inform the world. In conflict zones, where violence and censorship are rampant, journalists often put their lives on the line to report the truth. This is particularly evident in the work of war correspondents, who have a long history of exposing the brutality of armed conflicts.
Take, for example, Marie Colvin, a pioneering American war correspondent. Colvin was renowned for her coverage of the Middle East, particularly her reporting from Syria. In 2001, she lost her left eye in a grenade attack while covering the Sri Lankan civil war. Despite her injuries, she continued to work, wearing an eye patch that became a symbol of her resilience and dedication to the profession. Sadly, Colvin’s life was cut short when she was killed in 2012 while reporting in the besieged Syrian city of Homs. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in war zones, but also the courage and commitment required to tell the stories that need to be told.
Similarly, the tragic death of Japanese photojournalist Kenji Nagai serves as a powerful example of the risks journalists face in politically unstable regions. In 2007, Nagai was fatally shot by government forces while documenting the peaceful protests of Myanmar’s Buddhist monks against the military junta. Despite being wounded, Nagai continued to film, a testament to his commitment to his work and the cause of free press. Nagai’s death symbolized the dangers that journalists face in oppressive environments, and his sacrifice remains a reminder of the importance of press freedom.

Honoring the Legacy of Fallen Journalists
The tragic deaths of journalists like Abdallah, Colvin, and Nagai cannot be in vain. Across the world, efforts have been made to pay tribute to these brave individuals and ensure their sacrifices are remembered. One such effort is the Bayeux-Calvados Award for War Correspondents, which honors journalists who risk their lives to bring the truth to the public. The Bayeux Memorial, where this prestigious ceremony takes place, stands as a tribute to the courageous men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. It serves as a reminder that the work of these journalists is far from forgotten and that their contributions to society continue to inspire future generations of reporters.
In addition to the Bayeux Award, other institutions and organizations honor the memory of journalists through awards, memorials, and campaigns. For instance, the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award, named after the German photojournalist who was killed in Afghanistan in 2014, celebrates the bravery of women photojournalists in conflict zones. Similarly, the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) play a vital role in advocating for press freedom and seeking justice for journalists who have been killed or attacked.
The United Nations also plays a significant role in raising awareness about the dangers faced by journalists worldwide. Through initiatives such as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), the UN calls for the protection of journalists and the prosecution of those who commit crimes against them. IDEI is a key moment to reflect on the ongoing threats to press freedom and to push for global accountability, ensuring that those who attack or kill journalists are held responsible.

The Fight for Press Freedom Continues
As we remember the lives of journalists like Issam Abdallah, Marie Colvin, and Kenji Nagai, we must acknowledge the vital role they—and so many others—played in bringing the truth to light. Their dedication to the profession, even in the face of extreme danger, serves as an enduring inspiration. These journalists did not die in vain. Their stories continue to resonate, and their legacies are honored in many ways, from the Bayeux Memorial to international awards and advocacy campaigns.
However, the fight for press freedom is far from over. The death of Issam Abdallah and countless others underscores the need for greater protections for journalists, especially those reporting in conflict zones. Governments, international organizations, and media institutions must do more to safeguard the rights of reporters and ensure that those who attack or silence them are held accountable.
In the end, the truth never dies, but it must be constantly defended. Through the efforts of those who continue to speak out and the institutions that honor their sacrifices, the stories of these brave journalists will live on, reminding us of the indispensable role the press plays in society. Their work continues to shine a light in the darkest corners of the world, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it.

Léa is a French volunteer involved in the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

This was my story. Today I tell it because many can't. It may move you, you may not like it or you may identified with it. I hope you read it with the same affection with which I wrote it.

Everything was beautiful. A perfect relationship. My family liked him very much and we never wanted our meetings to end. We planned for the near and far future. A perfect future in a perfect place with a dream house.

We were happy and others saw it too. I enjoyed spending time with him. I enjoyed time alone. I studied, worked, built a relationship, met my friends, hung out with my family, exercised, and enjoyed the little things in life. I laughed like never before and I was happy. I was very happy.

Months passed and the relationship progressed. I stopped hanging out with my friends as often and exercised less. I didn't have time. I hung out with him more and when I wasn't with him I was studying. Sometimes we went with my family and sometimes with his friends. Everyone continued to see us happy.

Months passed and the relationship continued to progress. I stopped exercising and hanging out with my friends because work and studies were my priority. My friends worried and asked me how it was going with him. But everything was fine. Everything was always fine.
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After a while everything started to get a little more complicated. He demanded more time from me, that I had to think more about him. I stopped spending time alone and doing the things I liked. Now there was one more priority. Work, studies and him. But everything was going well. I imagined the future like this.

​One day something in me changed. I no longer laughed, I no longer felt like getting out of bed. I didn't feel like going to work or finishing my studies. He kept asking for more time. I was not enough. Because I was never enough for him.

The discussions were more frequent and he always ended with the same speach: I will change, I promise, I need you, you make me a better person.
​
For a while everything was perfect. We shared plans like in a fairy tale.

​Little by little the discussions came back, because everything I gave was never enough. I always had to do something more. My friends were warning me that something wasn't right.

There was a moment when I realized that working, studying and being with him were not only priorities. They were obligations. For me it was already an obligation to be with him.

I was accompanying him, I was helping him, I was there for him. But the fights were still going on. And then he regretted his decision. And then the honeymoon. And, little by little, they were more violent, they were more aggressive, his outbursts caused more damage and his regret did not heal. But he insisted that he would change. And I believed him.

He never changed, everything got worse. I abandoned my friends, my family and myself. Luckily they did not. They were always there.

I was brave, I decided not to keep quiet anymore. I understood that there was always a way out and I decided to close the door. Because love doesn't hurt. Because I deserved more. Because I was more than enough. And because the future was not going to be like this. Because I didn't want it. Because I knew I was more than a relationship where you're prettier when you're quiet.

Because we are all more than a relationship in which we are not valued, in which we are taken away from our loved ones and in which we stop being ourselves to please the other.

I survived. I got out of that relationship thanks to my family, thanks to my friends and thanks to all my personal work. Some time later I am still working on it and on the consequences that this relationship brought afterwards.

736 million women have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lives. The risk is higher among young women: 1 in 4 adolescents has been abused by a partner.

Globally, it is estimated that almost one in three women have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

In 2022, around 48 800 women and girls worldwide died at the hands of their partners or other family members.

I survived, but I could have not. That is why I am telling the story today.

I survived and that’s why, since I left, I no longer keep quiet.

There is always a way of getting out. There is always time when you are alive.

I was lucky enough to laugh again, but there are many women who can't laugh anymore.

Clara is a Spanish volunteer involved in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

I guess it all starts in childhood. I guess that when you are little innocence floods you so much that you forget to breathe for a moment. I suppose that when you are little you are not afraid of anything, because it is the adults who have to be afraid of you falling and hurting yourself.

The happiness of the first steps, of the first babbling. The happiness of when a baby says “mama” or “daddy” for the first time. The happiness of the first day of school after many days without seeing your friends. The joy of birthdays, blowing out candles and receiving toys that you will remember when you grow up.

The joy of swimming and playing in the pool, at the beach or in the park. The happiness of eating something tasty or having your grandmother buy you sweets or take you to your favorite cafe after school.

Infancy, childhood and adolescence are periods we all go through, we all have memories of these times and we have all been marked by something that, nowadays, we remember so much that sometimes tears come to our eyes.

Every November 20th is celebrated as Children's Day, the world is dyed blue. A day dedicated to the promotion and protection of children's rights around the world.

Because not all children are happy to go to school. Not all children get a goodnight kiss. Not all girls can receive a quality education. Not every child has access to electricity, clean water or food. Not all children can play in the park, or dress up as their favorite character, or share their toys.

251 million children and adolescents are still out of school in the world. According to UNICEF data, 101 million children do not attend elementary school. More than 300,000 minors have been recruited in recent years as child soldiers. Some two million children are currently involved in sex trade networks. Between 950,000 and 1,250,000 children are victims of child trafficking worldwide. 14 million young women gave birth between the ages of 15 and 19.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: “Children are not simply objects belonging to their parents and on whose behalf decisions are made, nor are they adults in the process of being formed. They are human beings and individuals with their own rights.”

One of the main objectives of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is that children enjoy a fulfilling childhood although, still, many childhoods end prematurely.

Many children's childhoods continue to be interrupted when they have to drop out of school, do dangerous work, get married, fight in wars or remain in adult prisons. Every day, more challenges and threats arise that make us more vigilant than ever about protecting children's rights.

When I was little my grandmother used to take me to the park. I spent entire summers with
my grandparents, playing Parcheesi, chess and going to the countryside with them.

My mother was always there when I fell down to heal my wound.

I spent a lot of time with my brothers playing, at night, my father used to bring me a glass of water to bed and, if I had nightmares, I used to go to my parents' bed.

I guess I was not aware of how lucky I was, that not all children are listened at all. Not all children are as lucky as I was.

For this and many other reasons children have a lot to say. I wish we were able to listen to them and understand that they are children who have to live their childhood without adult worries and consequences.

Kind regards, the inner child that still lives in me.

Philosophy is the study of big questions about life, knowledge, ethics, and the world around us. It encourages people to think deeply about things like "What is the meaning of life?" and "What is truth?" Philosophy helps individuals think critically, challenge their beliefs, and understand themselves and the world better. It has shaped many other fields, including science, politics, and the arts, and continues to be relevant today.

Kira is a German Volunteer involved in Philosophy Day

Romy ​is a French volunteer involved in the World Audiovisual Heritage Day

Food security: a global challenge

Food security is a fundamental right which means that everyone must have reliable access to sufficient, nutritious and safe food to lead an active and healthy life. Despite progress in some parts of the world, more than 733 million people still suffer from hunger, an alarming statistic in a world capable of producing enough food for everyone.

Several factors are hampering this objective:

• Climate change: Rising temperatures and natural disasters are affecting harvests, making agricultural production uncertain in many regions.

 

• Conflicts: Wars and political instability are major causes of food crises in some parts of the world, disrupting food production and distribution.

 

• Economic inequalities: Access to food often depends on purchasing power, and millions of people cannot afford nutritious food.

World Food Day reminds us that to eradicate hunger, it is not enough to increase food production. We need to improve access, distribution and use of food resources.

Fighting malnutrition

An insufficient or unbalanced diet leads to serious problems of malnutrition, affecting billions of people around the world. This problem affects not only developing countries, but also wealthy nations where access to healthy food is often limited by cost and social inequalities.

The importance of healthy eating

Promoting healthy eating is another crucial issue for this day. With the rise in obesity and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, the emphasis is on the need to eat nutritious, sustainable food. Local initiatives aim to encourage the consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses and other local produce that are not only good for health but also for the environment.

The principles of a healthy diet :
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• Diversity: Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need.

 

• Balance: Avoid excesses of fat, sugar and salt, which are bad for your health.

 

• Sustainability: Adopt environmentally-friendly eating practices, such as reducing food waste and favouring local produce.​

Call to action: what can we do?
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World Food Day is also an opportunity for everyone to take part in the global movement to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable food. Whether you are a volunteer in a local association, a farmer, an entrepreneur or an ordinary citizen, everyone has a role to play in this process.

Here are a few initiatives that everyone can undertake:

• Reducing food waste: On average, a third of the food produced in the world is lost or wasted. Raising awareness of good practices and avoiding waste can greatly improve access to food.

 

• Supporting local farmers: Favouring short circuits and local producers helps to strengthen local economies and ensure fresher, more sustainable food.

 

• Promoting food education: Teaching children and communities the basics of a balanced diet can make a big difference for future generations.

In short, World Food Day invites us to reflect on food inequalities and how each of us can contribute to a world without hunger. Food security, the fight against poverty and the promotion of healthy eating are at the heart of this day and require coordinated action at local, national and global level. Together, we can ensure that everyone in the world has access to sufficient, nutritious and sustainable food.

On this day of reflection and action, let us all ask ourselves: What can I do for a world without hunger?

​Elodie is a French volunteer involved in the International Food Day.

With just two weeks to go before Americans have to put their vote in the ballot box, it is vital that they stay informed so that they can form their own opinion and vote with a clear conscience.  But as today more than eight-in-ten Americans get news from digital devices (Pew Research Center, 2021), you must wonder whether they are actually getting the information right.  Indeed, in an era of constant, rapid information flow, it is extremely difficult to remain in control of it. Fake news, social media trends, endless adverts are things we encounter continuously, and which cloud our minds when travelling through digital devices.    
  
The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the way news is reported and shared. Traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and television networks, have had to adapt to the digital age, where social media and online news platforms dominate. With information at our fingertips, people can access news from various sources, allowing for a broader range of perspectives. However, this accessibility also raises concerns about the reliability of information and the proliferation of misinformation.   
A clear example of prejudice that a person can experience due to fake news is the discrimination faced by individuals of Asian descent during the COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2020, as misinformation and conspiracy theories about the origins of the virus spread online, many fake news stories falsely claimed that the virus was deliberately created in a lab in China or spread by Chinese people through unhygienic practices. This led to racial stereotyping, hostility, discrimination, and even violence against Chinese people and Asian people more globally. In this case, fake news not only spread fear but also directly contributed to prejudice, discrimination, and harm against innocent people, showing the devastating real-world impact of disinformation.   
  
The line between credible journalism and biased reporting is often blurred. With so many sources available, from blogs and independent news sites to traditional media outlets, it can be difficult to determine which ones adhere to ethical standards and fact-checking processes.  Information Literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. It involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and an understanding of how information is created, shared, and consumed: a task that has become increasingly difficult.   
The main problem with relying on social networks for information is the danger of becoming trapped in a “filter bubble”.  
Filter bubbles are information ecosystems created by algorithms that personalize the content we see online, especially on social media. These algorithms curate content based on our past behavior, such as the articles we read, the videos we watch, the things we "like" and the people we follow. While this personalized content may feel convenient, it can trap users in a selfreinforcing cycle of information that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.   
Social media platforms, by repeatedly exposing users to extreme content through algorithms, can lead to radicalization. A concrete example of radicalization via social media is the case of Aleksandr Bissonnette, the perpetrator of the 2017 Quebec City Mosque shooting in Canada.
His radicalization was heavily influenced by his consumption of far-right content online. 
Bissonnette, a university student, initially showed no significant signs of extremist tendencies. However, he spent increasing amounts of time on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where he regularly consumed content from far-right commentators and conspiracy theorists. The more Bissonnette interacted with this type of content, the more the platforms fed him similar material: he became trapped in a filter bubble. Isolated within this filter bubble, Bissonnette's perception of immigrants and Muslims became increasingly negative, distorting his worldview.   
On January 29, 2017, Bissonnette entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City and opened fire, killing six Muslim men during evening prayers and injuring many others. It was later revealed through investigations that he had spent months consuming far-right, Islamophobic content on social media before committing the attack. 
That’s why the Global Media and Information Literacy week is so important: misinformation and radicalization through filter bubbles destroy lives. 
 
To mark this year’s campaign about the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, Praxis Greece organized an event on 24th October in Serres, to raise awareness about the issue of filter bubbles.  Participants learnt about this topic in a fun way: Indeed, the café/bar Fuzzy Logic welcomed us to create an escape game “Escape the filter bubble”. In addition, the escape room center Breakout Greece (www.breakout.gr) helped us to create the game, and they lent us some material as well. We hope that participants have understood filter bubbles and their dangers, and they will be careful when being on social media.   
We would like to thank again Fuzzy Logic and Breakout Greece for their cooperation and their precious help. 
 
How could you become more information literate?   
One effective strategy is to break out of algorithmic traps by turning off personalized recommendations and cleaning up your browsing history. Minimizing your data footprint is crucial, as algorithms rely on tracking your online behavior to curate content. Regularly deleting your search history, clearing cookies, and using privacy-conscious tools like DuckDuckGo or VPNs can limit the data collected about you, reducing the influence of algorithms on the information you consume.   
Engaging in healthy skepticism is equally crucial. This means questioning the validity and motivations behind the information you encounter and being cautious of emotionally charged headlines designed to provoke rather than inform. It’s important to look for unsupported claims and always ask yourself who benefits from the message being conveyed.   
Diversifying your information diet is another key step. Seek out a wide range of sources, from mainstream media to academic journals, and deliberately follow voices that challenge your viewpoints.    
Understanding media bias plays a significant role in this process. All media are differently politically oriented and being aware of these biases enables you to critically evaluate the content you consume and compare different perspectives on the same issue. Tools like AllSides can provide a balanced view by showing how different outlets cover the same stories. Incorporating these habits can help you break free from filter bubbles and become a more critical and well-rounded consumer of information in an increasingly complex digital world.   

Léa is a French volunteer involved in the Global Media and Information Literacy Week.