To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first international meeting of investigative journalists, which later became known as the Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC), the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is convening the inaugural Investigative Journalism Week (IJ WEEK) from October 26 to 30, 2026.
The five-day event, which will take place entirely virtually, will bring together investigative journalists, journalism educators, trainers, academics, and students from around the world.
According to the GIJN, the online gathering will feature more than 35 panels, workshops, and networking sessions with over 100 speakers, with the sessions devoted to various themes, including emerging technologies, environmental investigations, corruption, cross-border investigations, digital investigative techniques, money laundering, and some of the most pressing issues confronting journalists and societies worldwide.
Participants will also have opportunities to learn about new reporting tools and methodologies through practical training sessions and workshops.
In announcing the week, GIJN Executive Director, Ms Emilia Díaz-Struck, explained that the initiative was designed to celebrate the work of investigative journalists globally while equipping practitioners with resources, methods, and practical skills needed to continue exposing wrongdoing and holding powerful institutions and individuals accountable.
She said: “We are excited to launch this initiative, as it is an important way to honor the courageous investigative journalism work done worldwide, while also empowering our community with the latest resources, methods, and tips that allow us to continue holding power to account,” adding that: “ We are immensely proud to see how the investigative journalism movement has grown in 25 years, expanding cross-regional connections and knowledge sharing across over 100 countries around the world, which has resulted in impactful and relevant investigations for citizens in different countries and regions.”
GIJN said the decision to organise the event virtually was partly driven by the need to create a more inclusive platform that would enable journalists and other members of the investigative journalism community from different parts of the world to participate without the geographical and financial barriers associated with physical conferences.
The network said the virtual format would also enable it to reach more journalists, particularly those who may have limited opportunities to attend major international journalism conferences.
The event comes at a time when investigative journalism is facing mounting challenges, including declining media freedom, attacks on journalists, shrinking media resources, technological disruption, and increasingly sophisticated efforts to conceal information and evade accountability.
GIJN, which describes itself as an international hub for investigative reporters with a mission to support and strengthen investigative journalism worldwide, said supporting investigative journalists has become increasingly important, particularly for journalists working in repressive environments and those from marginalised communities.
Its work includes providing journalists with tools, technology, training, and networking opportunities, with activities conducted in multiple languages and involving journalists across more than 100 countries.
The network said its activities in 2025 included responding to more than 2,000 queries and assistance requests from journalists, organising training activities that benefited thousands of participants, publishing more than 250 stories and 11 free reporting guides, and convening the first Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Asia, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which attracted more than 1,500 participants from 135 countries and territories.
GIJN noted that the IJ Week is intended to build on these efforts by creating additional opportunities for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and collaboration among investigative journalists.
The event is also expected to provide opportunities for participants to connect with leading investigative journalists and experts, exchange experiences, and develop new professional networks across borders.
GIJN has announced that the sale of tickets for the event will close on October 11, 2026, but it is offering support to a “limited number” of journalists who require assistance to participate upon submission of a formal request through an online application form by September 15, 2026.
Registration and further information about the programme are available from the GIJN at: https://gijn.org/event/investigative-journalism-week-launch/
