In a stirring celebration of liberty and journalistic integrity, the inaugural ceremony of the Free Speech Hub (FSH) unfolded on Wednesday, May 01, 2024, at the Toronto Event Venue. This pioneering non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting Afghan media and journalists while upholding press freedom and freedom of speech, beckoned luminaries and advocates from around the world to partake in an evening of enlightenment and solidarity. The event, graced by renowned keynote speakers from Afghanistan, Canada, and the United States, resonated with the profound words of Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie, chair of the Writers in Exile group of PEN Canada. Reflecting on this sentiment, Demissie extended heartfelt appreciation to the visionaries behind the establishment of the Free Speech Hub, notably recognizing the unwavering dedication of Saeed Najib Asli, a champion of freedom of thought. As individuals who have confronted the perils of operating in countries that suppress press freedom, Demissie and Asli underscored the paramount importance of initiatives like the Free Speech Hub in championing unfettered expression and disseminating diverse perspectives. As the global community gears up to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, Demissie's words resounded with a call to action, directing thoughts towards the countless journalists unjustly incarcerated in regions like Ethiopia and Afghanistan. "When one house is on fire, the neighboring house is not immune," Demissie remarked, urging collective action to confront and rectify hostile environments that stifle ideas and undermine the indispensable role of media professionals. Indeed, the Free Speech Hub stands as a beacon of hope in an era characterized by unprecedented interconnectedness. With its mission to foster transformative outcomes and usher in an era marked by unwavering commitment to press freedom and intellectual pluralism, the Hub symbolizes a united front against injustice and oppression. As attendees departed the ceremony, buoyed by a renewed sense of purpose and determination, they carried with them the spirit of solidarity and the unwavering resolve to safeguard freedom of expression. In the words of Demissie, may the endeavors of Najib and the Free Speech Hub illuminate the path towards a future where the pen truly is mightier than the sword.