Dmitry Muratov Keynote Speaker

Dmitry Muratov is a Russian editor, journalist and press-freedom advocate who shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize with Maria Ressa for safeguarding freedom of expression—an essential pillar of democracy and peace. He co-founded the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta in 1993 and built a newsroom renowned for rigorous investigations into corruption, human rights and abuses of power.

As editor-in-chief (1995–2017; 2019–2023), Muratov led the paper through escalating pressure, including the suspension of publication in March 2022 and the revocation of its license later that year. Labeled a “foreign agent” in September 2023, he resigned on 4 September 2023 to shield the publication; courts upheld the designation through 2024. These experiences give Muratov a uniquely clear view of the mechanics of censorship, propaganda and institutional resilience.

Committed to practical impact, Muratov auctioned his Nobel medal in June 2022, raising a record-shattering $103.5 million for UNICEF’s work with children displaced by the war in Ukraine. His philanthropy and advocacy continue to set a global benchmark for principled leadership.

In recent years, Muratov has remained an active voice on the international stage—keynoting Journalists for Human Rights’ Night for Rights gala in Toronto (October 2024), urging a civilian prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kyiv (May 2025), and headlining a June 2025 conference at Ruhr University Bochum on the historical roots of authoritarianism. His story is also the subject of the documentary The Price of Truth (2023), underscoring the personal stakes of independent journalism today. On stage, he equips audiences to navigate disinformation, protect institutional trust and lead with courage under pressure.