IFJ Centenary Congress 2026 begins in Paris, marks 100 years of global solidarity

Aseem Bhakta Singh, KalimNews, May 5, 2026, Paris: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) officially commenced its landmark Centenary Congress in Paris on May 4, marking 100 years since the organisation’s founding in the French capital. The four-day event, running from May 4 to May 7, has drawn over 300 delegates representing journalists’ unions and associations from across the globe.

The Congress opened with an inaugural ceremony at the Théâtre de la Concorde on May 4. The working sessions from May 5 to May 7 are being held at Novotel Paris Est, Porte de Bagnolet, to define the global media agenda for 2026–2029.

Held under the theme ‘100 years of international solidarity for strong journalism and trade unionism’, the event is hosted by IFJ’s French affiliates — SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT Journalistes, and Force Ouvrière.

IFJ President Dominique Pradalié underlined the significance of returning to the federation’s birthplace.

“We mark a century of solidarity and trade union struggles for press freedom, quality journalism, and fair working conditions,” Pradalié said, adding she hoped delegates would leave Paris with “renewed strength, hope, and unity.”

Among the international delegates is the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU) team comprising Geethartha Pathak, President, IJU; Sabina Inderjit, IFJ Vice President and Secretary General, IJU; and Shamim Ahmad, President, Journalists Union of Assam and Vice President, Gender Council.

While celebrating its past, the Congress is focused on threats and opportunities facing modern journalism.

Key items on the 2026–2029 working programme include Artificial Intelligence, with frameworks to protect editorial integrity and jobs amid AI adoption; safety and surveillance, addressing rising physical and digital risks to reporters worldwide; and gender and youth, promoting newsroom equality and making the profession viable for the next generation.

As the IFJ’s highest decision-making body, the Congress will vote on the federation’s direction and policy for the next three years, reinforcing the role of unions in safeguarding the future of the fourth estate.