IPI back to roots for 2020 World Congress

IPI to celebrate its 70th anniversary at Columbia University, its founding location The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom, will hold its 2020 World Congress in New York City from September 10 to 12, 2020. The Congress is IPI’s flagship global forum on press […]

IPI to celebrate its 70th anniversary at Columbia University, its founding location

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom, will hold its 2020 World Congress in New York City from September 10 to 12, 2020.

The Congress is IPI’s flagship global forum on press freedom and independent journalism. On the occasion of the organization’s 70th anniversary, IPI is honored to be hosted by Columbia University and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. IPI was founded at Columbia in 1950 by 34 editors from 15 countries to defend journalistic quality and independence.

“The fact that our network stood the test of time is a testament to the importance of our mission and our fight for media freedom wherever it is threatened,” IPI Executive Board Chair Markus Spillmann, the former editor-in-chief of Switzerland’s Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), said.

“Returning to New York just weeks before the United States presidential election puts us at the right place at the right time to debate the challenges facing journalism and to celebrate our accomplishments.”

Established in the aftermath of World War II, IPI was founded on the belief that a free press will contribute to a better world. Today, with members in nearly 100 countries, IPI brings together media representatives from digital, print and broadcast outlets to address press freedom challenges and to promote independent journalism as a core pillar of democracy.

“Media freedom, journalistic independence and integrity are the guiding principles of our school and the values we aim to teach to all our students,” said Steve Coll, dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School.

“We are proud of our numerous alumni who have joined IPI’s fight for media freedom around the world and we look forward to welcoming the IPI community back to Columbia University.” In the coming days, IPI will also announce the leading news organizations and other institutions that will partner with IPI for the 2020 World Congress and 70th anniversary celebration.

The 2020 Congress will see IPI members and other leading editors, journalists, media executives and experts from all over the world gather in New York for two-and-a-half days of engaging discussions, roundtables, workshops and Q&A sessions addressing key questions for today’s journalism.

“We would like to thank Columbia University for supporting IPI’s efforts and mission since the very beginning,” said IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi. (IPI)