Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra) has decided to postpone the 73rd World News Media Congress, which was to be held in June 2021. The event is now scheduled in Taiwan from 28 to 30 September 2021.
The decision was made following consultations with exhibitors, speakers, officials, and Wan-Ifra strategic partner UDN (United Daily News Group of Taiwan) and considering the significant impact of international travel at this time. The event will include the 2nd World Media Leaders Summit, 28th World Editors Forum, and the 5th Women in News Summit. For more information and regular updates, visit the event website.
“Our first consideration under the current circumstances must be for the health and well-being of all local and international participants and stakeholders involved in the congress. For the past several weeks, Wan-Ifra has been closely monitoring the international situation with partners and officials. It is now clear that setting new dates in September is the correct decision.” said Vincent Peyregne, chief executive officer Wan-Ifra.
The congress will be held in a country that has, to date, been the least affected by the pandemic globally. This remarkable achievement is in part due to the highly digitized population of almost 24-million people and a democratically elected government and competitive society who embrace technology and innovation. Located at the heart of the Asia-Pacific rim, Taiwan has transformed itself into a vibrant democracy and economic power over the past 50 years. The capital, Taipei, is today the country’s political, economic, educational, and cultural center and is one of the major hubs in East Asia.
Duncan Wang, chairman of United Daily News Group, said, “We are extremely excited to be able to host the World News Media Congress 2021 in Taipei. In 2020, we all experienced dramatic changes in the news industry, and our life and work models were heavily impacted by the pandemic. Taipei 2021 will be a great opportunity to hold conversations and reflect on new paths for quality journalism.
In Taipei, we guarantee you three things: scenery, delicious food, and hospitality. So we look forward to seeing you in free, democratic, and beautiful Taiwan!”
“Wan-Ifra would like to thank the global news media community for its continuous support and encouragement during this disrupted year. “As we are constantly reminded, great things happen when the community comes together for our annual World Congress, and we are excited at the prospect of reconnecting in Taipei next September.” commented Peyregne.
The World News Media Congress is the annual meeting of news publishers, editors, and entrepreneurs from all over the world, a “one-stop-shop” for news publishing strategies, operational insight, and practices. It is hosted in a different city each year. The 2019 Congress in Glasgow drew around 900 news media professionals from more than 60 countries for three days of conferences, executive meetings, networking, and social events. The Congress encompasses related events, including the Media Leaders Summit aimed at executive decision-makers; the World Editors Forum for editors, newsroom managers, and senior journalists; and the Women in News Summit for women in the industry and those who champion increased women’s leadership and voices in the news. The board meetings of Wan-Ifra’s various governing and advisory bodies also take place during the Congress.
