Lech Wałęsa to Speak at Kraków World News Media Congress

Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Laureate, will be among the distinguished speakers to address media leaders at the upcoming World News Media Congress (WNMC25) in Kraków, Poland. The three-day event, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) in partnership with Agora SA, publisher of Gazeta Wyborcza, will take place from 4 to 6 May 2025.

Over 100 speakers from more than 60 countries will gather to discuss the current challenges faced by news organisations in the ever-changing media landscape. The Congress will focus on how media companies are adapting to technological advancements, political pressures, and financial constraints while upholding independent journalism.

Lech Wałęsa, known for his pivotal role in toppling communism in Poland in 1989, will share his insights in an on-stage interview during the opening ceremony of the Congress. As an active voice in democracy and geopolitics, Wałęsa’s presence at the event is highly anticipated.

Ladina Heimgartner, WAN-IFRA President, has emphasised the crucial role of media companies in a changing world and the importance of protecting journalism and democracy. With declining trust in journalism and increasing threats to press freedom, WNMC25 will focus on restoring credibility, protecting independent reporting, and ensuring financial sustainability.

Bartosz Hojka, CEO of Agora, expressed his pleasure at Poland hosting this prestigious event and being recognised by WAN-IFRA among its global network of members and partners. He also highlighted the significance of Poland’s independent press in confronting populism and authoritarian regimes.

The WNMC25 will feature three main conference tracks with over 100 speakers and is expected to have over 800 participants. These tracks include the Media Leaders’ Summit for CEOs, publishers, and executives shaping the future of media, the Editors’ Summit for newsroom leaders focused on trust, audience engagement, and AI, and the Digital Revenue Summit exploring recent developments in the digital news business.

The event will also feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Marty Baron, retired Executive Editor of The Washington Post, Louis Dreyfus, President & CEO of Le Monde, and Rainer Esser, CEO of Die Zeit.

The 2025 Golden Pen of Freedom will also be presented at the Congress, recognising 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, known for its history of independent journalism and free expression, is a relevant setting for discussions on the future of the media. The city’s press continues to adapt to political and economic shifts, making it an important location for this year’s Congress.

For more information about the event, please contact Sumithra Hönig, Director Global Events – congress@wan-ifra.org. Interested individuals can also visit the programme and registration page on the WAN-IFRA website.

About WAN-IFRA:
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, is the global organisation of the world’s press. With a mission to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media, WAN-IFRA comprises 3,000 news publishers and technology companies and 60 national publishers’ associations, representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries. The organisation 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. More information is available at wan-ifra.org.

Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/