The Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Press Institute, IPI, Dawn Thomas, has explained that the 2018 World Congress was held in Abuja, Nigeria, mainly to appreciate the leading editors, publishers and journalists, who work hard every day to deliver quality news to their audiences in this part of the world.
In a report released on Wednesday in London, Mr. Thomas said it afforded the IPI Executive Board the chance to listen to those visionaries who have fought many battles to ensure that, in spite of the challenges that Nigeria faces, in spite of the complexity of the socio- political reality in the country, the freedom of the media to cover these challenges remains unscathed.
In her remarks, the IPI Executive Director, Barbara Trionfi, highlighted global press freedom challenges. She declared that journalists from about 40 different countries attended the 67th IPI World Congress, at a time when independent journalism was under attack and urged all professional journalists to come together in unprecedented solidarity.
The 2018 IPI World Congress was held in Nigeria, from June 21 to 23, under the title “Why Good Journalism Matters: Quality Media for Strong Societies”. It was organized in partnership with the country’s leading news organizations, as well as other international partners to expound the role of the media in strengthening democratic structures, fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. The Congress showcased examples of quality, resilient journalism as well as investigative stories and projects that bring positive change to individuals and communities in Africa and around the world.
The report said the 2018 World Congress served as an important platform for journalists and media experts to exchange best practices about their profession and present a united front in reminding state officials of their duty to protect press freedom, strengthen independent media and ensure that journalists can continue to operate without fear of intimidation.
The Abuja World Congress gathered about 330 leading media executives and experts, editors, journalists and academics from 37 countries. A total 65 local and international speakers participated in the three-day program of workshops, panel discussions, keynote speeches, presentations and roundtables.
