The city of Vienna in Austria will host the 2025 edition of the International Press Institute’s (IPI) World Congress and Media Innovation Festival, which brings together the world’s leading journalists, editors, and media leaders, at the historic multi-purpose events centre, Schönbrunn Orangery and Apothekertrakt. The Congress will take place from October 23 to 25, 2025.
Under the theme “Defending the Future of Free Media”, this year’s World Congress also marks IPI’s milestone 75th anniversary, a chance to reflect on 75 years of defending press freedom, strengthen the resilience and solidarity the world needs now, and collaborate on a vision for the future of public-interest journalism. Participants will confront the challenges facing journalism today and chart a path forward to safeguard free media for future generations.
For over seven decades, the IPI World Congress has served as a platform for global dialogue and solidarity in defense of free media and public-interest journalism. The 2025 Congress builds on this legacy, providing a vital space for the open exchange of ideas and solutions amid rising threats to journalism and press freedom worldwide.
The event is open to individuals working in independent media outlets or as freelancers, as well as to press freedom advocates, journalism students, media freedom supporters, and anyone committed to the future of free and independent journalism. For security reasons, all registrations will be reviewed and verified to determine eligibility.
Over three days in Vienna, the event will bring together leading journalists, editors, media innovators, and journalism supporters to learn, share, and strategise on how to defend the future of free media. As a core part of the Congress, the Media Innovation Festival will convene a pioneering global group of digital-native media startups and innovation leaders, who will explore new tools, strategies, and business models shaping the future of journalism, with a strong focus on innovation’s role in enhancing the sustainability of media organisations.
A key highlight of the 2025 IPI World Congress will be the award ceremony for the IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer awards, honouring those who defend the public’s right to know. The World Press Freedom Hero Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in upholding press freedom, while the Free Media Pioneer Award honours organisations leading innovation in defense of public-interest journalism.
Congress attendees are invited to join a special evening reception to reflect, honour, and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of independent journalism.
