Islamabad: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) will celebrate its centenary in Paris in May 2026, marking 100 years of global solidarity, press freedom advocacy, and trade unionism with an historic congress attended by hundreds of journalist organisations.
The IFJ’s centenary congress, to be held from May 4 to 7, next year at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, will bring together over 300 affiliated journalist unions and associations from around the world. The event will not only commemorate the federation’s historic legacy but also launch a renewed global campaign for press freedom, quality journalism, and fair working conditions.
Themed “100 Years of International Solidarity for Strong Journalism and Trade Unionism”, the congress will serve as a strategic forum for shaping the future of journalism and electing the IFJ’s new leadership for the next three years.
Founded in Paris in 1926 as the Federation of International Journalists, the organisation was renamed the International Organisation of Journalists (IOJ) in 1946. However, during the Cold War, it lost many of its Western members. In 1952, the federation was re-established in Brussels as the International Federation of Journalists, where its central secretariat remains today. Now representing more than 600,000 media professionals across 187 unions and associations in over 140 countries, the IFJ stands as the world’s largest and most influential journalist organisation.
Among its active members is the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the country’s only truly representative journalist body. Led by President Rana Muhammad Azeem and Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed, the PFUJ plays a vital role in defending press freedom and media workers’ rights in Pakistan. Its affiliation with the IFJ reflects the federation’s inclusive ethos, which welcomes diverse national contexts while firmly rejecting political or religious partisanship. The IFJ does not grant membership to ideologically aligned organisations, instead promoting collective action in defence of human rights and free access to information.
The IFJ’s policies are shaped through democratic deliberation at its triennial congresses, with decisions implemented by the secretariat under the guidance of an elected Executive Committee.
In addition to its Brussels headquarters, the federation maintains regional offices in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, ensuring its advocacy and support mechanisms are globally coordinated and locally responsive.
The centenary celebrations are rooted in a robust strategy of advocacy and action. The IFJ, in collaboration with its global membership, will send a strong message of solidarity to governments, media institutions, and civil society, reaffirming its commitment to defending journalists’ professional rights through peaceful struggle and international lobbying. The federation has consistently challenged oppressive laws and policies that threaten media independence, mobilising support at United Nations forums and coordinating global campaigns to protect press freedom.
One of the IFJ’s most vital functions is its emergency support for journalists in crisis. With the help of international aid agencies, the federation facilitates the safe evacuation of media professionals trapped in war-torn regions and offers financial assistance through its international safety funds.
Beyond advocacy, the IFJ is deeply invested in professional development, regularly organising training workshops and seminars across member countries to enhance journalistic skills and promote ethical use of modern technology. These initiatives aim to equip journalists with the tools they need to navigate an evolving media environment while upholding the highest standards of integrity and public service.
As the IFJ prepares to mark its centenary in Paris, the congress stands as both a tribute to its storied past and a rallying cry for the future. Delegates from across the globe will gather not only to commemorate 100 years of international solidarity but also to chart a bold and inclusive path forward.
In an era marked by disinformation, political interference, and economic precarity, the IFJ’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and journalist welfare is more vital than ever.
The 2026 congress will reaffirm the federation’s role as a guardian of truth, a defender of rights, and a beacon of unity in the global media landscape. For journalists, trade unionists, and advocates of free expression, the centenary congress in Paris is more than a milestone, it is a moment of renewal, resolve, and recommitment to the values that have sustained the profession for a century.