Wałęsa to Keynote Global News Media Congress

Kraków, Poland will host the World News Media Congress (WNMC25) from [Date - not provided in original, needs insertion], bringing together over 800 media leaders, editors, and digital revenue experts from more than 60 countries. Organized by WAN-IFRA in partnership with Agora SA, publisher of Gazeta Wyborcza, the three-day event will focus on navigating the challenges facing independent journalism in an era of declining trust, political pressure, and financial instability.

A key highlight of the congress will be an on-stage interview with Lech Wałęsa, the leader of Poland’s Solidarity movement and a pivotal figure in the fall of communism. His insights promise to resonate with attendees grappling with contemporary threats to press freedom and democratic values.

The congress agenda is structured around three core tracks: a Media Leaders’ Summit for CEOs and publishers, an Editors’ Summit concentrating on trust, audience engagement, and the impact of artificial intelligence, and a Digital Revenue Summit exploring innovative business models for digital news.

Speakers include prominent figures such as Ladina Heimgartner, President of WAN-IFRA; Marty Baron, former Executive Editor of The Washington Post; Louis Dreyfus, CEO of Le Monde; and Catherine So, CEO of the South China Morning Post. The event will also feature a diverse range of voices from across the globe, including experts from India, Sweden, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

WAN-IFRA will present the 2025 Golden Pen of Freedom award during the congress, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to press freedom. Past recipients include Gazeta Wyborcza, Jimmy Lai & Apple Daily, Jamal Khashoggi, and Maria Ressa.

Choosing Kraków as the host city is particularly symbolic. Poland’s own history of independent journalism and its ongoing adaptation to political and economic changes provide a relevant backdrop for discussions about the future of the media.

This congress arrives at a critical juncture. The erosion of public trust in journalism, coupled with increasing threats to press freedom, demands urgent attention and collaborative solutions. While technological innovation offers opportunities for growth and engagement, it also presents challenges related to misinformation, disinformation, and the sustainability of independent reporting. The focus on restoring credibility and exploring viable revenue streams is therefore essential. The inclusion of AI as a central theme is also timely, acknowledging both its potential and its risks for the news industry. Ultimately, WNMC25 represents a vital platform for media leaders to share best practices, forge partnerships, and reaffirm their commitment to a free and independent press.