The 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival brought together the world’s leading journalists, editors, and media thinkers to confront the challenges facing journalism today and shape a stronger future for independent media.

Under the theme “Defending the Future of Free Media,” this Congress marked the milestone 75th anniversary of IPI. It was a moment to reflect on 75 years of defending press freedom, to strengthen our collective resilience and solidarity, and to work together on a shared vision for the future of public interest journalism.

More than 630 participants from over 90 countries and territories gathered in Vienna, with 184 speakers from more than 60 countries sharing insights and sparking debate across 50 panels and side events. It was an energizing gathering which offered countless moments to remind us why independent journalism matters and why we continue to defend it together.