The 74th World News Media Congress, organized by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), was held in Taipei from June 28 to 30, 2023. Taiwan’s reputation for press freedom and digital innovation, along with excellent air connectivity and top-tier meeting infrastructure, made it an ideal host for the event.
Taiwan marked its debut as a host country for the congress with 1,000 leaders in print, broadcast, and digital journalism from 58 countries. The event was held in Asia for the first time since 2013.
Taiwan’s geographic accessibility, facilitated by its regional and international flight connections, played a significant role in selecting the venue. The congress took place at Taipei’s Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX) in its newly opened Hall 2, known for its smart-event technology and sustainable practices. The Grand Hyatt Taipei served as the official conference hotel.
The event focused on the potential risks and opportunities stemming from AI advancements in the media industry. Taiwan’s expertise in high-tech fields positioned it as an ideal setting for discussions on AI adoption. The United Daily News Group (UDN), a leading media and technology company in Taiwan, partnered with WAN-IFRA, reflecting the local industry’s role in addressing media landscape challenges.
Diversity and inclusion were prominent, with 40% female participation and sessions like the Women in News Summit. The congress showcased Taiwan’s culture through choral performances, a gala dinner, and more. The island’s “open-arms” philosophy was evident through professional support from the MEET Taiwan team and pre- and post-show tours for delegates.
Moreover, they performed symbolic gestures like releasing sky lanterns inscribed with “world peace” and “press freedom.” Consequently, Taiwan’s appeal as a destination for conferences and congresses gained further recognition.
Source:www.wan-ifra.org/events/congress2023
