Lech Wałęsa, the former President of Poland and Nobel Laureate, will be one of the 100 speakers at the World News Media Congress (WNMC25) in Kraków, Poland from 4 to 6 May. This three-day conference, organized by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) in partnership with Agora SA, publisher of Gazeta Wyborcza, will bring together participants from over 60 countries to discuss how news organizations are adapting and innovating in the face of technological changes, political pressures, and financial challenges while maintaining independent journalism.
Wałęsa, known for his role in toppling communism in Poland in 1989 as the leader of the pro-democracy Solidarity movement, will share his insights in an on-stage interview during the opening ceremony of the Congress. He continues to be an active voice in democracy and geopolitics.
In her invitation to media leaders, WAN-IFRA President Ladina Heimgartner emphasizes the crucial challenge of understanding the role of media companies in a changing world. With evolving attitudes towards journalism, she writes, “Shifting views on journalism make our work more important than ever. We must protect journalism and democracy.” The program will feature a plethora of best-practice cases and focus on restoring credibility, protecting independent reporting, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Bartosz Hojka, CEO of Agora, expressed his pleasure at Poland hosting this year’s Congress, saying, “I am extremely pleased that WAN-IFRA has chosen Poland to host the World News Media Congress, recognizing the stand taken by Poland’s independent press in confronting populism and authoritarian regimes.” Agora is also a partner of the event.
The three main conference tracks at WNMC25 will feature over 100 speakers and are as follows:
1. Media Leaders’ Summit – For CEOs, publishers, and executives shaping the future of media.
2. Editors’ Summit – A forum for newsroom leaders focused on trust, audience engagement, and AI.
3. Digital Revenue Summit – Exploring recent developments in the digital news business.
Some of the featured speakers at the Congress include Ladina Heimgartner, Head Media & CEO Ringier Medien Schweiz; Marty Baron, retired Executive Editor of The Washington Post; Louis Dreyfus, President & CEO of Le Monde, France; Rainer Esser, CEO of Die Zeit, Germany; Bartosz Hojka, CEO Agora SA; Catherine So, CEO of South China Morning Post, Hong Kong; Julia Angwin, Journalist & Founder of Proof News, USA; Zach Seward, Editorial Director of AI Initiatives at The New York Times, USA; Rupa Jha, CEO and Co-Founder of Collective Newsroom, India; Lisa Irenius, Editor in Chief of Svenska Dagbladet, Sweden; Nikita Roy, Podcast Host of Newsroom Robots, USA; Ezra Eeman, AI Expert & Director of Strategy & Innovation at NPO, Netherlands; Mariah Craddick, Executive Director of Product at The Atlantic, USA; Styli Charalambous, CEO of Daily Maverick, South Africa; Mariam Mammen Mathew, CEO of Manorama Online, India; Emily Withrow, VP of Product and Head of Subscriber Experiences at The New York Times, USA.
The Congress will also present the 2025 Golden Pen of Freedom Award, which recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to press freedom. Past recipients include Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland), Jimmy Lai & Apple Daily (Hong Kong), Jamal Khashoggi (Saudi Arabia), and Maria Ressa (Philippines).
Kraków, with its history of independent journalism and free expression, provides a relevant setting for discussions on the future of the media. As Poland’s press continues to adapt to political and economic shifts, it is an important location for this year’s Congress.
For more information about the event, please contact Sumithra Hönig, Director Global Events at congress@wan-ifra.org. Registrations for the three-day event are now open and can be done through the programme’s website.
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, is the global organization of the world’s press, comprising 3,000 news publishers and technology companies and 60 national publishers’ associations representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries. Its mission is to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media. WAN-IFRA provides its members with expertise and services to innovate and prosper in a digital world and perform their crucial role in society. The World Editors Forum is its network for editors.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.