75th anniversary: IPI to host 2025 World Congress in Vienna
The International Press Institute (IPI) will celebrate its 75th anniversary by hosting the 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival.
The event will gather leading journalists, editors, and media leaders from around the globe at the historic Schönbrunn Orangery and Apothekertrakt in Vienna, Austria, from October 23 to 25, 2025.
The IPI Executive Board approved the anniversary date during its meeting in Munich, Germany, over the weekend.
“We’re inviting the global journalism community to Vienna next October to mark 75 years of defending press freedom as a pillar of free and informed societies,” said IPI Interim Director Scott Griffen.
“This milestone comes at a crucial moment in the global fight to protect media freedom and free expression as fundamental rights. It’s a time for solidarity, collaboration, and reaffirming the values we share. At the 2025 World Congress, we’ll draw from IPI’s pioneering history to collectively strategize on how to ensure resilient, public-interest journalism for the future.”
The Congress will feature interactive panels, workshops, and sessions with global experts addressing pressing challenges such as journalist safety in high-risk environments, combating authoritarian threats to journalism, and developing sustainable media models through innovation.
A highlight of the event is the Media Innovation Festival, showcasing cutting-edge digital media startups and innovators from around the world. This platform will explore tools and strategies that enhance the sustainability of journalism while promoting innovation in business and editorial practices.
The Congress will also host the 2025 IPI-IMS Awards Ceremony, honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to press freedom and independent journalism. The awards will spotlight bravery and dedication in defending media independence, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the global journalistic community.
Founded in October 1950 by 34 editors from 16 countries, IPI emerged in the aftermath of World War II with a mission to protect press freedom and promote the free flow of news and information. Its founders believed that a free media was essential for a better and more peaceful world.
Over the decades, IPI has fostered understanding and collaboration among journalists and editors across borders. Today, it boasts a global network of more than 1,000 members in 100 countries, all committed to quality, independent journalism.
Join IPI in Vienna from October 23 to 25, 2025, to celebrate 75 years of defending press freedom. This milestone event is a time to reflect on IPI’s history while envisioning the future of independent journalism for the next 75 years.
Credit: Factual Times
